Talent alone doesn’t make a successful team. You could have all the best basketball players in your state, but if they can’t work together and communicate on the court, they won’t make it very far. It goes without saying that for any sports team to make it to victory, teamwork is key. Sadly, less than 10% of coaches in youth sports organizations actually spend practice time fostering team chemistry and player relationships.
If you’re a coach looking for tips to help bring your team together, keep reading to find three ways to build teamwork among your players.
Coaches Fostering Teamwork:
- Switch it up. Spend a practice playing a game other than your sport. For instance, if you coach a baseball team, have the kids play a soccer game. If your team plays lacrosse, spend a practice on the basketball court. Not only will this break up the monotony of working through the same practice routines and drills day after day, but it will also force players to work together at something none of them excel at. They will have fun and lose that fear of messing up or letting their teammates down.
- Wear custom team uniforms. Whether you’re on the field or off, team apparel is essential to creating a sense of unity, solidarity, and pride. If your league allows it, have your players design their own uniforms. Let them choose the color that will represent their team and have them all select their own numbers. Even if you don’t design your own team apparel, just wearing the same uniform will foster a feeling of teamwork among the players. While you’re at it, make sure you are wearing matching coaches apparel as well.
- Go to a professional sports game together. Okay, a baseball ticket may not cost a dollar like it did back in 1920, but having a group outing will be well worth the money. You could even have the kids hold a fundraiser to pay for the trip. Coming together as a team off the field, court, or rink will allow them to get to know each other better, find things that they have in common, and learn some tips from watching the pros at the same time. You could all wear your athletic uniforms to show your team spirit.
Coaches fostering teamwork & teaching children how to work together, their chances for success will inevitably increase. Teamwork extends to kids’ lives off the field as well. It’s a lifelong skill they will use for the rest of their lives.