Social Sub Factor: Team Dynamics
Team Dynamics: Definition
”Is the interaction of performers within a team or
group. It is mainly to do with making the team
more effective than the sum of its parts”.
“Sporting environments are dynamic and their
challenges constantly changing. Evolving with and
adapting to this environment will ensure longevity
in terms of team cohesion and prevent group
fragmentation and lack of unity in the dressing
room, during training and on the court”
What makes effective team dynamics?
Trust & belief in
each other
Clear
communication
(Feeling valued
and respected
develops
cooperation)
Defined roles
(clarity, greater
awareness)
Team
Dynamics
Co-operation
and support
amongst
players
Motivation and
self belief in
players
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/clips/
zhwgd2p
Shared goals
(creates greater
unity and focus)
Team Cohesion
• This is where players are drawn to a common
goal.
• Coaches often talk about teams needing time to
“gel” in order to perform at their maximum
potential.
• It has been evidenced time and time again that
skill and ability will only get you so far, groups of
players must have an intangible bond.
• This develops naturally as a result of coaching
and day to day interactions.
4 Stages of building Team Dynamics
•
To build TEAM DYNAMICS, understanding the 4 stages in the group development
process is essential. All groups must pass through these stages in order to emerge
as a cohesive unit.
Stages of building Team Dynamics
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEJaz3sinEs
4 Stages of building Team Dynamics
• FORMING
New players coming together for a common goal. Getting to know each other.
Assessing strengths and weaknesses of others.
• STORMING
Getting to know each other’s responsibilities and develop communication. Conflict,
hostility and instability start to develop as players fight for position.
• NORMING
Team unity is forming where players understand each other’s roles and
responsibilities, cooperating and showing solidarity and not an individual agenda.
• PERFORMING
Results of a new cohesive team should be evident.
Team Dynamics
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqj3U0lpQ6Y
What affects Team Dynamics?
•
•
•
•
Individual skills and abilities
Resources available
Motivation
Group Size (Remember the bigger the group
the harder it is to co-ordinate as players can
hide etc. Also sub groups can emerge which
can damage cohesion. Consider in rugby the
forward and back divide where cliques can
form.
What happens when players are not
putting in 100%?
Social loafing
Why does this happen?
• Some players working harder than others
• Different abilities within the team
• Other players covering you
• Loss of motivation (don’t see their contribution)
• Lack of confidence or fear of failure
• Lack of reinforcement
How does good team dynamics Impact
positively on performance in volleyball?
Players have a clear
understanding of each
other’s roles and
responsibilities and
have a mutual respect
for each other
There is camaraderie
between the players as
they are all on the
“same page” and have a
shared goal, resulting in
high motivation levels.
• allows them to work collaboratively i.e in a three touch
attack or when defending a spike.
• This increased clarity and awareness enables them to
execute strategies such as the specialised setter and make
decisions faster during the game.
• They will not have to deal with the impact of social loafing
on performance.
• They can rely on each other to break down their opponents
attack and successfully mount their own with fluidity in a
constantly changing environment.
• cohesion in the blocking unit will ensure that space is denied
and that a shadow is cast over the court. Field defenders will
support the blockers to defend the remainder of the court
and prevent easy points being lost.
How do poor team dynamics
negatively impact performance?
A break down in
cohesion therefore
results in a lack of coordination in both
attacking and
defensive play.
If all players cannot sustain
their unit for the duration of a
match even the most carefully
rehearsed strategies will fail
due to potential errors or illtimed moves.
If several players in the team
are less motivated it will
impact how units function
cohesively and impact the
dynamics of the team
Frustration will occur
and players will blame
each other for a poor
performance.
Space will be
exposed to attack
and creativity and
fluidity will be lost
in the play.
Lack of cohesion will
also reduce the
communication of
the units and result in
slower decisions.
Social Loafing will occur
and 100% effort will not
be applied to matches
and training.