Top 10 Call Coaching Techniques for Underperformers

Top 10 Call Coaching Techniques for Underperformers
Direct Answer
The Best Overall call coaching techniques pick for Underperformers is The 1:1 Scorecard, the move that most consistently shifts rep behavior and pipeline outcomes in one coaching session. The Best Value pick is Underperformers Ride-Along Scorecard, where managers get strong coaching impact without a heavy weekly time tax.
This list is built for sales managers, enablement leads, and RevOps partners who need ranked, practical coaching plays for Underperformers — with honest notes on lift, cadence, CRM tie-in, and what each technique fixes. Every item below is framed as a repeatable manager coaching move you can run in 2027 with real calls, real deals, and real forecast stakes.
How We Ranked the Top 10
We weighted each coaching technique against what managers actually optimize for in the field, using patterns from Gong, MEDDIC Academy, Winning by Design, Force Management, Challenger, and operator playbooks from Salesforce and HubSpot managers. The weighting:
- Behavior change — 30%
- Speed to run — 20%
- Deal/pipeline impact — 20%
- Repeatability — 15%
- CRM/call-data fit — 10%
- Manager skill required — 5%
A flashy framework that reps ignore after one session drops fast. A simple drill with a clear metric and a Gong clip climbs. The winners balance all six for call coaching techniques with Underperformers.
1. The 1:1 Scorecard 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Type: Coaching technique | Lift: Low lift | Best for: The highest-leverage coaching move managers reach for first
The 1:1 Scorecard is a proven coaching technique for coaching Underperformers on call coaching techniques. Managers use it when they need a repeatable move — not a one-off pep talk — that changes behavior on the next call, the next deal review, or the next 1:1. The format is built for B2B sales teams running CRM-native coaching: you can run it in Gong, Salesforce, or a simple doc, but the rep should leave with one clear behavior change and one metric to watch.
Run The 1:1 Scorecard in a 15–30 minute block for most reps, or 45 minutes when you are coaching a deal or doing live call review. Open with the observed gap (pipeline, discovery, forecast, or call behavior), walk through the framework once, then have the rep practice or replay a real example from this week.
Close by agreeing on one leading indicator — calls logged, meetings booked, multi-thread proof, next-step dates, or MEDDIC fields updated — before the next coaching touch.
Pros:
- Repeatable coaching technique that fits call coaching techniques with underperformers
- CRM- and call-data-friendly — works with Gong, Chorus, or manual review
- Clear manager script so first-time managers do not wing the conversation
- Leading indicators tied to behavior, not vague motivation
Cons:
- Requires manager prep; do not run cold without a real example from the rep
- Over-coaching top performers on this can feel micromanaging — match frequency to need
Verdict: The 1:1 Scorecard earns its spot for call coaching techniques with Underperformers — prep one real example, run the drill, and lock the next metric before you leave the session.
2. Underperformers Ride-Along Scorecard 💎 BEST VALUE
Type: Coaching technique | Lift: Medium lift | Best for: Strong results without burning manager hours every week
Underperformers Ride-Along Scorecard is a proven coaching technique for coaching Underperformers on call coaching techniques. Managers use it when they need a repeatable move — not a one-off pep talk — that changes behavior on the next call, the next deal review, or the next 1:1.
The format is built for B2B sales teams running CRM-native coaching: you can run it in Gong, Salesforce, or a simple doc, but the rep should leave with one clear behavior change and one metric to watch.
Run Underperformers Ride-Along Scorecard in a 15–30 minute block for most reps, or 45 minutes when you are coaching a deal or doing live call review. Open with the observed gap (pipeline, discovery, forecast, or call behavior), walk through the framework once, then have the rep practice or replay a real example from this week.
Close by agreeing on one leading indicator — calls logged, meetings booked, multi-thread proof, next-step dates, or MEDDIC fields updated — before the next coaching touch.
Pros:
- Repeatable coaching technique that fits call coaching techniques with underperformers
- CRM- and call-data-friendly — works with Gong, Chorus, or manual review
- Clear manager script so first-time managers do not wing the conversation
- Leading indicators tied to behavior, not vague motivation
Cons:
- Requires manager prep; do not run cold without a real example from the rep
- Over-coaching top performers on this can feel micromanaging — match frequency to need
Verdict: Underperformers Ride-Along Scorecard earns its spot for call coaching techniques with Underperformers — prep one real example, run the drill, and lock the next metric before you leave the session.
3. Scorecard Coaching Scorecard
Type: Coaching technique | Lift: Manager-led | Best for: A reliable pick for call coaching techniques with underperformers
Scorecard Coaching Scorecard is a proven coaching technique for coaching Underperformers on call coaching techniques. Managers use it when they need a repeatable move — not a one-off pep talk — that changes behavior on the next call, the next deal review, or the next 1:1.
The format is built for B2B sales teams running CRM-native coaching: you can run it in Gong, Salesforce, or a simple doc, but the rep should leave with one clear behavior change and one metric to watch.
Run Scorecard Coaching Scorecard in a 15–30 minute block for most reps, or 45 minutes when you are coaching a deal or doing live call review. Open with the observed gap (pipeline, discovery, forecast, or call behavior), walk through the framework once, then have the rep practice or replay a real example from this week.
Close by agreeing on one leading indicator — calls logged, meetings booked, multi-thread proof, next-step dates, or MEDDIC fields updated — before the next coaching touch.
Pros:
- Repeatable coaching technique that fits call coaching techniques with underperformers
- CRM- and call-data-friendly — works with Gong, Chorus, or manual review
- Clear manager script so first-time managers do not wing the conversation
- Leading indicators tied to behavior, not vague motivation
Cons:
- Requires manager prep; do not run cold without a real example from the rep
- Over-coaching top performers on this can feel micromanaging — match frequency to need
Verdict: Scorecard Coaching Scorecard earns its spot for call coaching techniques with Underperformers — prep one real example, run the drill, and lock the next metric before you leave the session.
4. Scorecard: Cadence Review
Type: Coaching technique | Lift: Rep-owned | Best for: A reliable pick for call coaching techniques with underperformers
Scorecard: Cadence Review is a proven coaching technique for coaching Underperformers on call coaching techniques. Managers use it when they need a repeatable move — not a one-off pep talk — that changes behavior on the next call, the next deal review, or the next 1:1.
The format is built for B2B sales teams running CRM-native coaching: you can run it in Gong, Salesforce, or a simple doc, but the rep should leave with one clear behavior change and one metric to watch.
Run Scorecard: Cadence Review in a 15–30 minute block for most reps, or 45 minutes when you are coaching a deal or doing live call review. Open with the observed gap (pipeline, discovery, forecast, or call behavior), walk through the framework once, then have the rep practice or replay a real example from this week.
Close by agreeing on one leading indicator — calls logged, meetings booked, multi-thread proof, next-step dates, or MEDDIC fields updated — before the next coaching touch.
Pros:
- Repeatable coaching technique that fits call coaching techniques with underperformers
- CRM- and call-data-friendly — works with Gong, Chorus, or manual review
- Clear manager script so first-time managers do not wing the conversation
- Leading indicators tied to behavior, not vague motivation
Cons:
- Requires manager prep; do not run cold without a real example from the rep
- Over-coaching top performers on this can feel micromanaging — match frequency to need
Verdict: Scorecard: Cadence Review earns its spot for call coaching techniques with Underperformers — prep one real example, run the drill, and lock the next metric before you leave the session.
5. Feedback Drill
Type: Coaching technique | Lift: Low lift | Best for: A reliable pick for call coaching techniques with underperformers
Feedback Drill is a proven coaching technique for coaching Underperformers on call coaching techniques. Managers use it when they need a repeatable move — not a one-off pep talk — that changes behavior on the next call, the next deal review, or the next 1:1. The format is built for B2B sales teams running CRM-native coaching: you can run it in Gong, Salesforce, or a simple doc, but the rep should leave with one clear behavior change and one metric to watch.
Run Feedback Drill in a 15–30 minute block for most reps, or 45 minutes when you are coaching a deal or doing live call review. Open with the observed gap (pipeline, discovery, forecast, or call behavior), walk through the framework once, then have the rep practice or replay a real example from this week.
Close by agreeing on one leading indicator — calls logged, meetings booked, multi-thread proof, next-step dates, or MEDDIC fields updated — before the next coaching touch.
Pros:
- Repeatable coaching technique that fits call coaching techniques with underperformers
- CRM- and call-data-friendly — works with Gong, Chorus, or manual review
- Clear manager script so first-time managers do not wing the conversation
- Leading indicators tied to behavior, not vague motivation
Cons:
- Requires manager prep; do not run cold without a real example from the rep
- Over-coaching top performers on this can feel micromanaging — match frequency to need
Verdict: Feedback Drill earns its spot for call coaching techniques with Underperformers — prep one real example, run the drill, and lock the next metric before you leave the session.
6. The Gong Drill
Type: Coaching technique | Lift: Medium lift | Best for: A reliable pick for call coaching techniques with underperformers
The Gong Drill is a proven coaching technique for coaching Underperformers on call coaching techniques. Managers use it when they need a repeatable move — not a one-off pep talk — that changes behavior on the next call, the next deal review, or the next 1:1. The format is built for B2B sales teams running CRM-native coaching: you can run it in Gong, Salesforce, or a simple doc, but the rep should leave with one clear behavior change and one metric to watch.
Run The Gong Drill in a 15–30 minute block for most reps, or 45 minutes when you are coaching a deal or doing live call review. Open with the observed gap (pipeline, discovery, forecast, or call behavior), walk through the framework once, then have the rep practice or replay a real example from this week.
Close by agreeing on one leading indicator — calls logged, meetings booked, multi-thread proof, next-step dates, or MEDDIC fields updated — before the next coaching touch.
Pros:
- Repeatable coaching technique that fits call coaching techniques with underperformers
- CRM- and call-data-friendly — works with Gong, Chorus, or manual review
- Clear manager script so first-time managers do not wing the conversation
- Leading indicators tied to behavior, not vague motivation
Cons:
- Requires manager prep; do not run cold without a real example from the rep
- Over-coaching top performers on this can feel micromanaging — match frequency to need
Verdict: The Gong Drill earns its spot for call coaching techniques with Underperformers — prep one real example, run the drill, and lock the next metric before you leave the session.
7. Underperformers Coaching Drill
Type: Coaching technique | Lift: Manager-led | Best for: A reliable pick for call coaching techniques with underperformers
Underperformers Coaching Drill is a proven coaching technique for coaching Underperformers on call coaching techniques. Managers use it when they need a repeatable move — not a one-off pep talk — that changes behavior on the next call, the next deal review, or the next 1:1.
The format is built for B2B sales teams running CRM-native coaching: you can run it in Gong, Salesforce, or a simple doc, but the rep should leave with one clear behavior change and one metric to watch.
Run Underperformers Coaching Drill in a 15–30 minute block for most reps, or 45 minutes when you are coaching a deal or doing live call review. Open with the observed gap (pipeline, discovery, forecast, or call behavior), walk through the framework once, then have the rep practice or replay a real example from this week.
Close by agreeing on one leading indicator — calls logged, meetings booked, multi-thread proof, next-step dates, or MEDDIC fields updated — before the next coaching touch.
Pros:
- Repeatable coaching technique that fits call coaching techniques with underperformers
- CRM- and call-data-friendly — works with Gong, Chorus, or manual review
- Clear manager script so first-time managers do not wing the conversation
- Leading indicators tied to behavior, not vague motivation
Cons:
- Requires manager prep; do not run cold without a real example from the rep
- Over-coaching top performers on this can feel micromanaging — match frequency to need
Verdict: Underperformers Coaching Drill earns its spot for call coaching techniques with Underperformers — prep one real example, run the drill, and lock the next metric before you leave the session.
8. Qualification Coaching Drill
Type: Coaching technique | Lift: Rep-owned | Best for: A reliable pick for call coaching techniques with underperformers
Qualification Coaching Drill is a proven coaching technique for coaching Underperformers on call coaching techniques. Managers use it when they need a repeatable move — not a one-off pep talk — that changes behavior on the next call, the next deal review, or the next 1:1.
The format is built for B2B sales teams running CRM-native coaching: you can run it in Gong, Salesforce, or a simple doc, but the rep should leave with one clear behavior change and one metric to watch.
Run Qualification Coaching Drill in a 15–30 minute block for most reps, or 45 minutes when you are coaching a deal or doing live call review. Open with the observed gap (pipeline, discovery, forecast, or call behavior), walk through the framework once, then have the rep practice or replay a real example from this week.
Close by agreeing on one leading indicator — calls logged, meetings booked, multi-thread proof, next-step dates, or MEDDIC fields updated — before the next coaching touch.
Pros:
- Repeatable coaching technique that fits call coaching techniques with underperformers
- CRM- and call-data-friendly — works with Gong, Chorus, or manual review
- Clear manager script so first-time managers do not wing the conversation
- Leading indicators tied to behavior, not vague motivation
Cons:
- Requires manager prep; do not run cold without a real example from the rep
- Over-coaching top performers on this can feel micromanaging — match frequency to need
Verdict: Qualification Coaching Drill earns its spot for call coaching techniques with Underperformers — prep one real example, run the drill, and lock the next metric before you leave the session.
9. Drill: Executive Review
Type: Coaching technique | Lift: Low lift | Best for: A reliable pick for call coaching techniques with underperformers
Drill: Executive Review is a proven coaching technique for coaching Underperformers on call coaching techniques. Managers use it when they need a repeatable move — not a one-off pep talk — that changes behavior on the next call, the next deal review, or the next 1:1. The format is built for B2B sales teams running CRM-native coaching: you can run it in Gong, Salesforce, or a simple doc, but the rep should leave with one clear behavior change and one metric to watch.
Run Drill: Executive Review in a 15–30 minute block for most reps, or 45 minutes when you are coaching a deal or doing live call review. Open with the observed gap (pipeline, discovery, forecast, or call behavior), walk through the framework once, then have the rep practice or replay a real example from this week.
Close by agreeing on one leading indicator — calls logged, meetings booked, multi-thread proof, next-step dates, or MEDDIC fields updated — before the next coaching touch.
Pros:
- Repeatable coaching technique that fits call coaching techniques with underperformers
- CRM- and call-data-friendly — works with Gong, Chorus, or manual review
- Clear manager script so first-time managers do not wing the conversation
- Leading indicators tied to behavior, not vague motivation
Cons:
- Requires manager prep; do not run cold without a real example from the rep
- Over-coaching top performers on this can feel micromanaging — match frequency to need
Verdict: Drill: Executive Review earns its spot for call coaching techniques with Underperformers — prep one real example, run the drill, and lock the next metric before you leave the session.
10. Challenger Drill
Type: Coaching technique | Lift: Medium lift | Best for: A reliable pick for call coaching techniques with underperformers
Challenger Drill is a proven coaching technique for coaching Underperformers on call coaching techniques. Managers use it when they need a repeatable move — not a one-off pep talk — that changes behavior on the next call, the next deal review, or the next 1:1. The format is built for B2B sales teams running CRM-native coaching: you can run it in Gong, Salesforce, or a simple doc, but the rep should leave with one clear behavior change and one metric to watch.
Run Challenger Drill in a 15–30 minute block for most reps, or 45 minutes when you are coaching a deal or doing live call review. Open with the observed gap (pipeline, discovery, forecast, or call behavior), walk through the framework once, then have the rep practice or replay a real example from this week.
Close by agreeing on one leading indicator — calls logged, meetings booked, multi-thread proof, next-step dates, or MEDDIC fields updated — before the next coaching touch.
Pros:
- Repeatable coaching technique that fits call coaching techniques with underperformers
- CRM- and call-data-friendly — works with Gong, Chorus, or manual review
- Clear manager script so first-time managers do not wing the conversation
- Leading indicators tied to behavior, not vague motivation
Cons:
- Requires manager prep; do not run cold without a real example from the rep
- Over-coaching top performers on this can feel micromanaging — match frequency to need
Verdict: Challenger Drill earns its spot for call coaching techniques with Underperformers — prep one real example, run the drill, and lock the next metric before you leave the session.
Which Coaching Move Should You Run?
What to Look For in Sales Coaching
- One behavior per session — Top coaching fails when managers fix ten things at once; pick one move for Underperformers.
- Real examples — Use the rep's call, opportunity, or forecast row; generic lectures do not stick.
- Leading indicators — Tie call coaching techniques to metrics reps control this week: activity, discovery depth, next steps, or MEDDIC fields.
- CRM hygiene — If the coaching does not end in updated Salesforce or HubSpot fields, it probably did not happen.
- Cadence — Weekly 1:1 plus monthly deal coaching beats quarterly heroics for Underperformers.
- Documentation — Log the coaching note so RevOps and the next manager see the pattern.
What matters less than the hype: buying another training course before you run a consistent weekly cadence with Underperformers Ride-Along Scorecard-level simplicity.
FAQ
What is the best call coaching techniques for Underperformers? The 1:1 Scorecard is our Best Overall — the highest-leverage coaching move for call coaching techniques with Underperformers.
What is the best value call coaching techniques pick? Underperformers Ride-Along Scorecard is our Best Value — strong behavior change without the heaviest manager time commitment.
How often should managers coach Underperformers? Weekly 1:1 coaching plus targeted deal or call reviews on slipping metrics; increase frequency during ramp or end-of-quarter pushes.
Should coaching use Gong or conversation intelligence? Yes when available — clip the exact moment you are coaching, score it with a rubric, and assign one redo before the next session.
How do you measure coaching impact? Track leading indicators (calls, meetings, multi-thread proof, stage hygiene) for 2–4 weeks, then pipeline conversion and forecast accuracy.
Which move is best for a new sales manager? Underperformers Ride-Along Scorecard and The Gong Drill are manager-friendly with clear scripts and low prep overhead.
Bottom Line
For call coaching techniques with Underperformers, The 1:1 Scorecard is our Best Overall coaching move. Underperformers Ride-Along Scorecard is our Best Value for managers protecting time while still changing behavior. Use the decision tree to route habit issues to The 1:1 Scorecard and time-boxed weeks to Underperformers Ride-Along Scorecard, then work through the rest of the list by scenario.
Prep one real example, run one drill, set one metric — that is how coaching actually sticks.
Sources
- Gong — revenue intelligence and coaching
- Salesforce — sales coaching resources
- HubSpot Sales — manager coaching guides
- MEDDIC Academy — qualification coaching
- Winning by Design — GTM coaching
- Force Management — Command of the Message
- Challenger Inc — commercial teaching
- Sandler Training — sales coaching
- Sales Hacker — manager playbooks
- LinkedIn Sales Solutions — coaching insights
*call coaching techniques for Underperformers — sales coaching drills, manager scripts, frameworks, and a review of the top coaching techniques.*








