How to Run a Mid-Season Player Check-In (and Why It Matters)

The season is in full swing, and your team has likely settled into a rhythm. But are your players actually improving? Are they motivated? Or are they quietly frustrated with something they don’t know how to fix?

A mid-season player check-in is one of the most effective ways to refocus your team, boost player confidence, and make smart coaching adjustments before it’s too late.

Without a structured check-in, coaches tend to rely on guesswork. Some players will seem to be doing great, while others might look like they’re struggling. But unless you ask—and listen—you’re missing key insights that could change the trajectory of your season.

Why it works:

Boosts motivation – Players see their progress and set new goals.
Strengthens coach-player relationships – You’re showing them you care about their growth.
Identifies team-wide trends – If multiple players bring up the same issue, it’s a sign your coaching needs a tweak.

Want a simple way to organize player feedback? The Team Questionnaire Packet includes structured prompts to help you assess progress and pinpoint areas for improvement.

Now, let’s walk through how to run a high-impact mid-season check-in.

Step 1: Set the Purpose of Your Check-In

Before you start handing out surveys or having conversations, make sure your players know why you’re doing this. This isn’t about evaluating them—it’s about helping them level up.

What to tell your team:

”We’re halfway through the season, and I want to make sure you’re getting what you need to improve.”
“This check-in helps me adjust my coaching to support you better.”
“Your input matters—this is a chance to be honest about what’s working and what’s not.”

Pro Tip: Make it clear that this isn’t about playing time. If players feel like they need to “prove” themselves, they won’t be honest about challenges they’re facing.

Want to reinforce a growth mindset? Pair this with goal tracking from the Volleyball Goal Setting Packet so players see tangible progress.

Step 2: Gather Meaningful Player Insights

It’s easy to assume you know what’s going on with your team. But sometimes, what you see and what they feel are two different things.

To get the most out of your check-in, ask clear, open-ended questions that help players reflect.

Must-Ask Questions:

What’s one area you feel you’ve improved in since the season started?
What skill do you want to focus on improving over the next few weeks?
Do you feel confident in your role on the team? Why or why not?
What’s something the coaching staff could do to help you more?

Time-Saving Tip: Use a written questionnaire before holding individual or small group chats. The Team Questionnaire Packet includes pre-made questions, so you don’t have to create your own from scratch!

Step 3: Compare with Your Own Observations

Once you’ve gathered player responses, it’s time to cross-check their answers with your own observations.

What to look for:

Are players’ self-assessments accurate? Some may think they’re struggling when they’re actually doing great. Others may overestimate their performance.
Are multiple players bringing up the same challenge? If so, it’s probably a coaching gap, not an individual issue.
Are players experiencing fatigue or injury concerns? Adjust conditioning if needed.

Use data to back up your decisions. If you track stats, compare them to player responses. This objectively shows improvement or confirms areas that need work.

Step 4: Discuss Findings with Players (Individually or as a Group)

Now it’s time to talk! This can be done one-on-one, in small groups, or as a team discussion, depending on your coaching style.

Best Practices for Feedback Conversations:

Start with the positives: “I’ve seen a huge improvement in your passing consistency. You’ve been working hard, and it shows.”
Make feedback specific and actionable: Instead of “You need to talk more,” say, “Try calling out ‘mine’ every time you go for the ball—this will help the team react faster.”
Tie individual improvements to team success: “When you improve your footwork on defense, our entire back row gets stronger.”

Pro Tip: Some players won’t tell you what’s bothering them in a group setting. If you notice someone holding back, follow up privately.

Step 5: Adjust Coaching Strategies Based on Feedback

At this point, you’ve collected player input, analyzed your own observations, and had conversations with your team. Now it’s time to make targeted coaching adjustments.

What to do next:

Identify common themes in responses.
- Example: If multiple players say they feel lost in rotations, run a refresher practice on positioning.
Adjust individual goals based on feedback.
- Example: A player struggling with confidence in their hitting? Focus more on successful contact rather than power.
Modify your practice plan accordingly.
- Example: If players say they need more game-like situations, incorporate high-rep competitive drills.

Make it measurable: Revisit check-in responses in 2-3 weeks to ensure your adjustments are making a difference.

Keep the Conversation Going

A mid-season check-in isn’t a one-and-done task. It’s a habit.

Encourage players to communicate openly—not just during formal check-ins, but anytime they need support.

Want a ready-to-use template? The Team Questionnaire Packet makes check-ins simple, structured, and effective.

Your next step: Print your Team Questionnaire Packet and schedule your mid-season check-in today. Your players will thank you for it!