3 Questions to Consider on Building Team Chemistry
As we approach the beginning of high school season and subsequent club season, it is time to think about the many aspects of building team chemistry right off the bat. How do we give our athletes the best opportunity to…
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Continue ReadingAs we approach the beginning of high school season and subsequent club season, it is time to think about the many aspects of building team chemistry right off the bat. How do we give our athletes the best opportunity to come together and bond as a team? Here are a few questions to ponder as gyms begin to reopen, and coaches are starting to piece together their teams.
What players bring positive energy and good vibes to my team and program?
Recruiting players who have a good attitude and passion for the game should be forefront in the minds of all coaches, especially when building a college team. With players coming from different backgrounds, locations, and expectations, it is important to construct a team that has a common thread of positivity and pension for teamwork. As a coach, I will always choose the girl who has a solid work ethic and desire to improve who encourages her teammates over an athlete who chooses to remain complacent and brings her team down.
How can I facilitate opportunities for team building on and off the court?
Bonding as a team can be the make-or-break component of any team – it can define your success, or the lack thereof can cause a team to crumble. Coaches should be thinking of ways to put together team building events for his/her team, especially early in the season. Providing opportunities for players to get to know each other better off the court will often lead to a greater bond on the court. More so, ensuring the girls have lots of court time together, playing team-based drills and gelling as a unit, will enforce a mentality of “all for one”.
What goals can we set as a team that will help us work towards those future objectives together?
Last, but certainly not least, set some goals as a team. Short term goals such as passing a 2.5 during practice and long term goals like qualifying for nationals are equally as important to agree upon for a season. These goals need to be set before the first practice of a high school or club season, setting the expectations and targets that the athletes and coaches must work towards together throughout the year. As a coach, think about what type of drills can help your team grow and help reach their goals, as well as which tournaments can put your team in a position to reach nationals or take a place on the podium. Setting goals may be the most important aspect of building team chemistry as a common objective can solidify a team by bringing them together.