One thing that is hard for a track coach is balancing the motivational tools you use on an athlete. They usually don't have the "do anything to be on the team" attitudes that you will find in the major sports, so finding how to encourage them without frustrating the athlete or making the athlete complacent is very important.
The truth is there is no quick and easy answer. Everyone is different. Some athletes only getting motivated by knowing how far off their competition they are, while others could care less about their competition and just want to set personal records. Some athletes enjoy challenges, while others just want to be part of group. Being too critical can cause some athletes to leave the sport, while not being critical enough may cause an athlete to think he or she has seen all the sport has to offer.
Find out what causes each athlete to tick. Remember that girls are different than boys and high school athletes are different than middle schoolers. It takes a lot of effort but a good coach will work hardest to leave no stone unturned and find how to properly motivate his team.
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