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”.

What makes effective team dynamics? Trust & belief in each other Defined roles. Everyone in the team understands their job Co-operation and support amongst players Shared goals (creates greater unity and focus) Motivation and self belief in players Clear and effective communication http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/clips/zhwgd2p

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 a bond. This develops naturally as a result of coaching and day to day interactions.

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

There is no “social loafing "as all players are giving 100% effort. How does good team dynamics Impact positively on performance in volleyball? Players have a mutual respect for each other, which allows them to work well together There is “camaraderie” between players, which results in high motivation levels. There is no “social loafing "as all players are giving 100% effort. All players work together cohesively so they can mount successful attacks and create strong defensive units. All players can rely on each other during the game, especially when covering mistakes.

How do poor team dynamics negatively impact performance? If players cannot work together then strategies will fail due to errors or ill times moves. If there is no cohesion then there will be no organisation when attacking or defending. There will be a lack of communication amongst players which will allow the opposition to exploit space when attacking. If some players are less motivated then the team will not function as well- frustration will occur and players will start blaming each other.