Gamify the Grind: How Tracking, Challenges, and Competition Fuel Buy-In

#48 - Strength & Speed Coaching - Pursuing Your Best ⚡️

Progress fuels engagement.
But only when athletes can see it.

If your training is locked in but motivation is slipping, it might not be the program—it might be the feedback loop.

That’s what this issue is all about: how to make progress visible, fun, and meaningful through gamification—using tools like training cards, timers, challenges, and dashboards to drive buy-in.

Let’s dive in.

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The Power of Visible Progress

You’ve probably heard it before:

“What gets measured gets improved.”

It’s true! I’ve seen it firsthand.

Gamifying progress isn’t about gimmicks. It’s about showing athletes they’re growing—and giving them a reason to bring their best every rep.

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Simple Tools That Make a Big Difference

Training Cards
Every athlete gets their own. It shows their workout, tracks progress, and builds a sense of ownership. Bonus: cards reduce screen time and coaching load.

Personal Best Charts
We hand these out at the end of each quarter. It’s a simple way to celebrate PRs, recognize hard work, and create a culture of growth.

Weekly Challenges
Not just for max lifts. Think:

• Sprint times

• Jump height

• Kickstarters challenges

Mix it up and make it fun. Compete with each other, not just against.

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Tech That Makes It Fun

Jump Mats or Lasers – Vertical jump scores that update in real time? Instant feedback. Huge motivator. (We use Plyomat & OVR Jump.)

Timing Lasers – Nothing sparks full intent like a laser-read 10-yard dash or fly. (We use Dashr Silver & are going to get a set of OVR Sprint to compare.)

VBT Devices – Push velocity competitions with threshold cutoffs. Teaches intent and reinforces effort. (We use Vitruve.)

Shredmill Readouts – Top speed contests or “beat your best” sprints. A great way to measure and push peak outputs. (Shredmill is a great speed tool if space and time are limitations.)

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The Horsepower System: Standards That Stick

One way we bring it all together is through the Horsepower Database—our system of 12 key performance indicators (KPIs) with clear standards and athlete scoring built in.

Kids can see where they’re strong, where they’re close, and what they need to work on next.

It’s not just numbers—it’s a game. And they want to level up.

KPIs we track:

• Relative Strength (Strength-to-Bodyweight Ratio)

• Speed (Acceleration, Max Velocity, & Change of Direction)

• Power (Vertical, Horizontal, & Reactive Power)

Each category has levels, benchmarks, and a clear path for progression.

You can learn more at the link below ⬇️:

Tracking What Matters: Key Performance Indicators in Strength & Speed

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Tips to Start Gamifying Your Program

• Pick 1–2 metrics to post weekly: Start small—vertical jump and attendance are great ones.

• Use training cards or templates: Let kids track their own work.

• Celebrate effort, not just output: Doing it the right way matters!

• Create in-class competitions: Relay races, intent drills, kickstarters.

• Let kids see their scores: Post boards, digital dashboards, or personal printouts.

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Coach’s Note

Gamification doesn’t mean turning the weight room into an arcade.

It means:

• Making effort feel rewarding

• Helping kids see growth

• Building systems that reinforce the right behaviors

When progress is visible, engagement becomes sustainable.

Progress is addictive!

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Want Help Building Gamified Systems?
I offer consulting for PE teachers and Strength & Speed coaches who want to:

• Build out KPI tracking

• Implement personal training cards

• Add jump mats, VBT, and sprint timers with purpose

• Create systems that motivate without adding chaos

Shoot me a message—I’d love to help you bring it to life.

Until then, keep pursuing excellence.

— Preston ⚡️

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Paid Subscriber Download

Thank you for being a paid subscriber to Pursuit PE. These downloads are built to support your work, reinforce your message, and simplify your systems.

• 🔒 Simple KPI Tracking Template (Google Sheets)
  A printable, easy-to-use sheet for tracking key performance indicators like strength, speed, and power. Designed to help students record progress independently, with customizable fields to fit your program’s needs.

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