There is much more to becoming a championship team than the skill level of each player. A vital component of becoming a high performing team is strong team chemistry. Team chemistry if often referred to as the magic ingredient after a sports team wins a championship The amount of communication, togetherness, and mutual respect is crucial for the road to success.
While winning a championship ring is an irreplaceable experience, the most vivid memories and
feelings that stay with a team are the special relationships that are developed throughout the entire season. When it’s all said and done teammates will look back not just on the number of wins or titles but the relationships they formed with teammates and coaches, the challenges they faced together, the successes they shared, and the tears they shed together. I have found from both professional and personal experience that the more cohesive a team is, the more your players will reach peak performances. Team cohesion will help your team rise to greater levels of performance because they will be playing not just for themselves but for each other. I have found that teams, who have a high level of trust and support within the team, will feel safe enough to take risks on the field, and as a result, they will play to win rather than worrying about making mistakes on the field. In this article I will be sharing ideas that will help you promote team chemistry.
Here are some tips on enhancing team chemistry
- Get everyone on the team on the same page (Set team goals/Team mission). Everyone
striving towards a common goal is essential for strong team chemistry. Teammates should be aware
of each other’s individual goals so that they can support each other in achieving them. High
performing teams that I have worked with created Team Mission Statements and Team Themes. A team mission statement is a way to transform team dreams into goals. Once the mission statement is created, the team should post it on the locker room wall as a daily reminder of where they want to go and how they are going to get there. Also, at the end of the year you can create the Mission Statement Award. The player who most represented the team mission receives this award at the end of the season. - Create the Wall of Confidence. This is a combination of ideas that I have learned from coaches and team building consultants. This is a great way to build appreciation and confidence within your team. Each player on your team has a secret psych pal (secret spy). Each player is responsible to write down something positive they did in practice or in a game that contributed to the overall success of the team. These notes are placed on the team bulletin board for each player to review. This can be done throughout an entire season.
- Promote Positive & Open Communication. A highly cohesive team will create a safe atmosphere where each player can talk openly and honestly with one another and among coaches. Coaches should keep an open door policy when communicating with their athletes. Coaches should also check in with your athletes to see how they are doing and feeling. One thing to remember about communication is communication is more than just verbally sending someone a message. The skill of listening is vital to the communication process. Listening shows that you care about what your teammates are saying which is important in building team cohesion and trust between teammates.
To get more information about Optimal Performance and the services we provide please contact Mr. Keith Waldman at keith@opawinningteams.com or visit our website at www.opawinningteams.com. For over 15 years Mr. Keith Waldman has been a partner with Optimal Performance Associates, LLC. Keith has been actively involved in a wide variety of athletic programs, K-12 schools, and corporations focusing on teambuilding, leadership, and athletic excellence. He has conducted hundreds of workshops for Division I-III sport teams and high athletic departments across the nation, including State, Conference, and National Championship Teams. His passion and commitment as well as his educational and professional experience have enabled Keith to make a tremendous impact on many athletic, educational, and corporate teams.
