Coaching an athlete
Practice talking to a talented athlete whose attitude is hurting the team
A free motivational interviewing role-play. You talk with Marcus Webb, played by an AI that stays in character, then get feedback on the moves you made.
Free for learners · Runs in your browser
How Marcus opens
“What? I didn't do anything. If this is about Jaylen, he messed up the play.”
Your brief
You coach Marcus, a junior point guard and your most talented player. Lately he rolls his eyes at teammates' mistakes, sulks on the bench, and snapped at a freshman during practice. A couple of players have come to you about it, and team energy is dropping. You've pulled him aside before practice.
Your goalGet Marcus talking about what's going on for him and draw out his own reasons for how he wants to show up for the team, without lecturing.
What tends to shut them down
Lecturing about being a good teammate or setting an example
Telling him his attitude is a problem in general terms
Threatening playing time or the captaincy early
Taking sides on the play with Jaylen
Naming the players who complained
Sarcasm or matching his tone
Pushing for an apology or a promise to change
What tends to open them up
Rolling with his deflections instead of arguing
Reflecting the pressure or frustration under the attitude
Affirming his talent and leadership specifically
Open questions about what the team was like last year, or what he wants it to be
Double-sided reflections that end on his reasons to change
Asking permission before sharing what teammates have said
Emphasizing that how he leads is his choice
Marcus also has a backstory you won't see here. In the role-play, you draw it out.
Read first
Guides on the skills this role-play asks for.
- MI guide · 6 minHow to respond to sustain talk and resistance in MIHow to respond to sustain talk and discord in motivational interviewing: spot the righting reflex, then reflect, support autonomy and reframe rather than argue.
- MI guide · 6 minHow to practice motivational interviewing: exercisesMI training exercises that build skill: deliberate practice, peer role-plays, self-coding with MITI ideas, and where AI role-play helps or doesn't.
- MI guide · 7 minWhat is motivational interviewing? A practical guideMotivational interviewing is a way of talking about change that draws out a person's own reasons. Learn its spirit, the four processes, and where it fits.
Talk with Marcus yourself
The role-play opens in your browser. Type your replies or say them out loud, and finish with feedback on the moves you made.
Free for learners · Runs in your browser
Leading a training? Book a 30-minute call (opens in a new tab)
Ready when you are.
