Creating Buy-In: The Key to Athlete Adherence

Written by Conquer Athlete Coach Jason Leydon, CSCS

One of the biggest challenges coaches face isn’t designing the perfect program—it’s getting athletes to actually follow it. You can have the most scientifically sound plan in the world, but if your athletes aren’t committed, it doesn’t matter. Buy-in is everything, and it’s the cornerstone of adherence and long-term progress.

Clarity

Buy-in starts with clarity. Athletes need to understand the why behind what they’re doing. When you explain the purpose of a session, the rationale behind the programming, or why a particular skill is being emphasized, you give them context. Context builds trust. Trust builds buy-in.

Involvement

Next, involvement matters. Athletes are far more likely to engage with a program when they feel part of the process. Ask for their input, track progress together, and celebrate the wins along the way. Even small choices—like selecting accessory work, adjusting weights, or setting personal goals—can create a sense of ownership.

Communication

Communication is another critical piece. I’ve seen too many coaches write programs and expect athletes to execute blindly. Regular check-ins, honest feedback, and open dialogue turn a passive participant into an active partner. When athletes feel heard, they’re more motivated to follow through.

Consistency

Finally, consistency from the coach is non-negotiable. Model the standards you expect. Show up, enforce principles, and demonstrate the behaviors you want to see. Athletes notice when you walk the talk, and they’ll be far more likely to invest in the process.

Creating buy-in isn’t a gimmick—it’s a deliberate strategy. It’s about building relationships, fostering understanding, and giving athletes ownership of their journey. When you get buy-in right, adherence becomes almost automatic, and results—both in performance and confidence—follow. That’s how great programs turn into great athletes.

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