Positive Coaching: Building Team Chemistry

Building team chemistry is always a challenge in youth sports. Trying to mold different personalities and different skill- level athletes into a cohesive unit is challenging, even for professional and college coaches. Expecting untrained youth coaches to create team chemistry can be asking a lot. One good thing is that youth sport coaches do not have to deal with inflated egos or over paid athletes that college and professional coaches encounter. On the other hand, youth coaches often have to deal with over-zealous parents, which can make building team chemistry more difficult. Often, it only takes one uncooperative player or parent to disrupt team chemistry.

Team chemistry building is a process that takes time to develop. Good coaches are continually on the lookout for teaching moments that will enhance team chemistry as well as build positive character in team individuals. With that being said, there are many ways that youth sport coaches can incorporate into their coaching that leads to great team chemistry.



1. Open communication is a key to any good relationships and this is no different with maintaining team chemistry. Coaches who clearly explain all team rules and coaching philosophy are off to a good start in developing team chemistry. Of course, following their stated rules and philosophy is always necessary, too.



2. Coaches, who devote equal time to each team member, will make all players feel like an integral part of the team. On the other hand, coaches, who display overt favoritism to some, often create factions on teams, which is detrimental to overall team chemistry. Even young players notice when teammates may be slighted with the coach's attention or negativity and this can be detrimental to team chemistry development.



3. Youth coaches should always watch for team members who comment or act negatively towards less talented players. Coaches should not allow any negativity to be displayed from one player or group of players towards others. Additionally, coaches should keep an eye out for any negativity displayed by parents towards players, coaches or towards other parents. 


4. Players often take on the attitude of their coach. Youth coaches who display an enthusiastic, fun and encouraging style will see their team display this attitude. Happy coaches often translate into happy kids, which leads to good team chemistry.



5. Coaches should teach sportsmanship and teamwork and watch for examples of these on their team, on other teams and in the news.



6. Team members that hang out together, even when not practicing or playing, often create stronger bonds. Coaches, or a designated parent, should organize team outings away from the game itself.



7. Fun is always a key - youth coaches, who can make things fun for kids, have the best chance of molding teams into a cohesive unit. Fun for athletes includes: overcoming challenges, activity, positive feedback, chances to compete, knowledge, winning and having the opportunity to win.



8. Coaches should teach the philosophy of "we." Explaining to players "we win as a team and we lose as a team" is key, as well as emphasizing the importance of each team member's contributions to the group.


9. Coaches should encourage players to "reach out" to all players so that cliques are not formed. Breaking up kids into groups with different players each practice is a good start to helping kids get to know each other.

10. As mentioned, it only takes one player or parent to disrupt a team so coaches should try to quell any disruptions with open communication, as soon as possible, before gossip and negativity can form.



Of course, winning teams often feel better about themselves. That should be motivation enough for coaches to the best job they are capable of to help teams win. Finally, creating an atmosphere where "kids can be kids" is important. This does not mean that coaches have to be friends with all players, but that coaches use their authority role to promote a positive experience for all, which leads to team chemistry.