Starting a new sport or physical activity, or changing from an inactive behaviour to an active one requires young people to go on a journey of change. Not all young people’s journeys will be easy or simple. Some young people will find ways to make the journey smoother and others will find it takes more effort.

Positive behaviour change can be achieved through coaches using a broad range of approaches that focus on young people as individuals, as part of a group or community or when they are in different environments. By using behaviour change strategies coaches can help and support young people to make better choices.

Coaches can increase the likelihood of sustained positive behaviour change if they can:

• provide information that is easy to understand and at time when young people are likely to be responsive
• highlight that it is normal to take part and be active
• support young people to plan what to do when challenges occur
• help young people feel positive about the benefits of behaviours changed
• and use simple tactics and strategies that support young people.

Some behaviours are more resilient than others and therefore can be difficult and require a lot of effort to change. Changing inactive behaviours to becoming more active can be complex and therefore requires coaches and young people to keep going, persist and not to give up.

Find out more about the guidance and top tips for coaches via the new animation. A new resource guide is available to download at the foot of this page.

Visit UK Coaching's website for further information.