Teamwork information sheet

Some characteristics of an effective team

· Effective leadership

o a variety of leadership positions, eg coach, captain, manager

o leadership style suitable for the team, eg children, teenagers, adults, disabled team members, social teams, competitive teams

o a leadership style that includes the ability to assign roles to other group members

o a leadership style that includes the ability to control.

· A desire on the part of the members of the team to achieve team goals

o team members are focused on the team goal rather than on individual goals.

· Specified roles for team members

o administrative roles: captain, vice-captain, coach, selector, manager

o game roles: eg setter, spiker, hitter, libero (volleyball example).

· Good relations within the team (cohesion)

o supportive and encouraging of each other

o prepared to share ideas and strategies.

· Well-developed communication

o within the team

o between the leadership group and the rest of the team.

Some strategies to develop teamwork

· Planning and evaluating together

o devising game strategies and team tactics

o reviewing performance.

· Peer coaching

o skill development and game strategies.

· Team training and drills

o improvement of communication

o providing opportunities for effective feedback

o providing opportunities for changing roles within the team.