The GROW Model — A Framework for Coaching Conversations
- RIZE
- Apr 3
- 3 min read
The GROW Model is a powerful way to structure goal-setting conversations between coaches and athletes.
It’s about clarifying the vision, understanding the current reality, identifying options, and making a concrete plan.
What GROW Stands For:
G = Goal — What do you want to achieve?
R = Reality — Where are you right now?
O = Options — What could you do to reach your goal?
W = Way Forward — What will you do next?
🔍 How to Use GROW with Your Players
1. Set the Goal (G)
This is where most players need help. Their goals are usually either too vague or too unrealistic.
Your job: Help them create a goal that’s clear, realistic, and meaningful.
💬 Example Questions:
✅ “What exactly do you want to achieve?”
✅ “What would success look like for you?”
✅ “How will you know when you’ve reached this goal?”
👉 Make sure the goal is something they care about — not just something you want for them.
2. Understand the Current Reality (R)
This is where you assess where they are right now. It’s about being honest, but not critical.
💬 Example Questions:
✅ “What’s happening right now?”
✅ “What have you already tried?”
✅ “What strengths are you bringing to this?”
✅ “What’s getting in your way?”
👉 The more accurate the reality check, the better the plan that follows.
3. Explore Options (O)
Now it’s about brainstorming possible paths forward. You’re helping them think about strategies, tools, and resources.
💬 Example Questions:
✅ “What could you try?”
✅ “What would happen if you did nothing?”
✅ “What have you seen work for others?”
✅ “What’s the most realistic path forward?”
👉 Encourage them to come up with their own ideas before offering suggestions.
4. Decide on the Way Forward (W)
This is where the plan becomes real and actionable. You want them to leave with something concrete to act on.
💬 Example Questions:
✅ “What are you going to do next?”
✅ “When will you do it?”
✅ “What obstacles could come up and how will you deal with them?”
✅ “How will you measure progress?”
👉 This step should end with a clear commitment to action.
📊 Making It SMART
Once the GROW conversation is complete, sharpen the plan with the SMART model:
Specific: What exactly are you trying to achieve?
Measurable: How will you know you’ve achieved it?
Achievable: Is this goal realistic?
Relevant: Does this goal matter to you?
Time-bound: When do you want to achieve this by?
💡 SMART turns vague ideas into measurable, trackable plans.
💡 Example: Using GROW + SMART with a Player
Let’s say a player wants to become a better shooter.
Here’s how you could walk them through the process:
GROW Model
G: “I want to improve my 3-point shooting percentage from 28% to 35% by the end of the season.”
R: “Right now, I’m hitting about 28%. I feel rushed and uncomfortable with defenders closing out.”
O: “I could work on shot preparation, increase reps under pressure, or study how other shooters create space.”
W: “I’ll add 100 contested threes to every practice for the next 8 weeks. I’ll track my progress weekly.”
SMART Model
Specific: Improving 3-point shooting percentage
Measurable: From 28% to 35%
Achievable: Based on the player’s skill level and commitment
Relevant: Important to the player’s overall development and role on the team
Time-bound: 8 weeks, with weekly progress tracking
This isn’t just a dream — it’s a plan.
📲 Make It Part of Your Culture
Don’t just have one-off goal-setting sessions. Build it into your program:
Pre-season: Goal-setting meetings with every player (using GROW + SMART)
During the season: Check-ins to adjust, improve, and celebrate progress
Post-season: Reflection on what worked and what needs adjusting next year
👉 Great coaches don’t just train skills. They help athletes become self-directed learners.
🧠 Take These With You:
❤️ “A goal without a plan is just a wish.”
❤️ “Growth doesn’t happen by accident — it’s built through clarity and consistency.”
❤️ “Goals aren’t just about improvement — they’re about alignment.”
❤️ “Make goals visible, trackable, and meaningful.”
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