INSIGHTS
Team implementation
Here’s what we’ve learned from dozens of conversations with coaches who have succeeded, so you can have the confidence you will too.
All or nothing. No injury mitigation program is both optional and effective. Success depends on team coaches requiring that all athletes complete 4 short sessions, 30 total minutes per week, and holding everyone accountable.
Weekly goals are not enough. To keep athletes on track requires individual shout outs and call outs at every practice, and mandatory completion of 2 sessions before athletes join the team for practice on Thursdays.
To succeed, be prepared. The app reduces coaches’ time required to just 5 minutes per week. But it still takes an investment of meaningful leadership capital. A solid plan will help. You can start with the draft below.
A team coach needs to own it. Most successful teams have an assistant coach own this as a primary responsibility. ATC led implementations usually fail.
Early insistence is not only good for athletes, it makes your job easier. After 8 sessions, 93% of athletes report feeling greater deceleration control - motivating behavior change and reinforcing a new habit. Get them to 8 sessions early.
Make a staged implementation plan. Build athlete leadership and commitment pre-season by having captains start training early, and then ensure the team starts strong with established accountability.
THE PLAN
Staged implementation plan
A step-by-step plan to successfully implement RIIP REPS with your team. Print or download our checklist here.
PRE-SEASON
2 weeks before first practice
Create a team in the app with training start same day at least 2 weeks before first practice. Add any other coaches and most importantly, 2-4 athletes (captains, seniors, etc.) on team roster page.
Ask entire coaching staff to activate their app account, review app ‘program page’ content and web page. Ensure you see coaches active on the team roster in app and discuss. Name one coach to own it as a primary responsibility. Sample Coach Email
Build athlete leadership & momentum. Personally ask 2-4 athlete leaders to complete four 7-minute sessions by [set date], ahead of inviting rest of team. Discuss and ask not only for their compliance, but their leadership to ensure team success. Sample Athlete Leadership Email
Add all remaining team athletes to the training roster in app 5 days before your first practice. Ask your 2-4 athlete leaders to speak up about the training program.
KICKOFF
First practice week
Five days prior to 1st practice send a message using your standard channel to all team athletes with links to the RIIP app store pages. Insist all athletes install the app, activate their accounts, and complete two sessions before practice on a [set date]. Sample Team Email
Set expectations. Two days before 1st practice, remind athletes that you will insist they complete the two sessions prior to joining the team for practice on [set date].
Confirm 4 for 4 commitment. At full team practice on [set date], discuss the program's benefits for 5 minutes. Ask about everyone’s experience. Beforehand, ask team leaders to plan to speak up. Ask all athletes to commit to completing 4 sessions per week for four weeks (4 for 4) and ask team captains to help everyone get there.
On Monday of the second training week, anyone who didn't complete all 4 sessions in week one should be required to complete at least one session before joining the team for each weekday practice or competition. Ensure they hit their 4 session goal in week two.
EVERY WEEK OF THE SEASON
Stay vigilant every week
Consistency is Key. It’s what delivers results. And it makes your job easier.
Be vocal about individuals’ progress at every practice. It's crucial that coaches glance at athletes' session completions in the roster (2 minutes) and offer shout outs or call outs to a half dozen athletes at every practice.
Establish midweek requirements. Some coaches require athletes to complete 1 session before joining for every practice. Others insist that athletes complete 2 sessions before joining practice on either a Wednesday or Thursday. This sets athletes up for success to easily reach the 4 session goal by Sunday PM.
Monday is accountability day. On Mondays, there must be accountability for everyone reaching the four-session (30 minutes total) prior week training goal. Successful coaches use incentives like sprints or food.
We can present to your group
Need help describing our program and the benefits to your coaches, parents or team leaders?
Contact us to schedule a call and we’ll give your group a presentation.