“Birds of the same feather flock together”, we are sure that everyone has heard this adage at least once in their lifetime. For centuries humans have been known to be comfortable in groups. And more than mob mentality or mass hysteria has got to the best of us. People join all sorts of clubs, arts, sports, book reading, you name it. But how does it work?
How do people who are entirely different from one another work in synchronization and more often than not win or attain success? This blog will look into sports that are played in groups of two or more people. The way they achieve what is at stake is unbelievable and we would love to have a sneak peek into their psyche. Read on to know what we uncovered.
The Psychology Of Team Sports Rests
Team Dynamics:
Team sports or team dynamics is something that has based itself on the premise that a group of people are able to work towards a common goal. Mostly, this includes making them aware of the team dynamics that comprise –
➔Team cohesion– This simply means the sense of belonging the players build around each other and evoke feelings of trust and safety. Psychologists believe that this is inevitable to enhance cooperation among teammates.
➔Strong Leadership- Every team needs a good leader and the right kind of leader can make followers align their thoughts and ambitions as a group. An able leader can also minimize the errors and if committed could find ways to correct them.
➔Communication- It is crucial that there is a proper channel of communication when it comes to a group. Teammates who lack the ability to communicate freely often disintegrate; much less work towards a goal.
Motivation and Goal setting:
Motivation is something that drives us to achieve something. Every human is known to have a motivation and a goal that is expected to be achieved by it. These could be small-term or long-term. In a team, it is possible that the players have individual motivations for winning a competition but the goal is winning. This can be-
➔Intrinsic or extrinsic motivation- Coaches should be able to identify the individual intrinsic goals that drive each of the team members. It could be pride, love, money, or adulation. Finding the right one for each is imperative.
➔Goal setting- After this is established they should be given a clear goal that they have to achieve personally and for the team.
Mental Toughness and Resilience:
Nothing is stress-free in this world. With mounting pressure from the audiences, promoters, coaches, and investors, the players are no better than a pressure cooker. So what does it mean for the team?
➔Resilience- It doesn’t mean repressing your feelings especially if they are negative. It is all about getting up every time you fall or at least make up your mind strong enough for that possibility.
➔Handle pressure- Knowing you are not alone and it is a group effort can do wonders in a sports team. Strategies to face immense pressure are often helpful in this endeavor.
Performance Anxiety and Confidence:
Much similar to the other it could encompass the fear of being judged or labeled on the ground. Working towards one’s confidence sorts this impediment.
➔Pre-game anxiety- Unlike the slight fear with excitement, pre-game anxiety could be devastating. Therefore working towards mindfulness can take the team a long way.
➔Self-confidence- As a team, it should be the goal to work on yourself as well. Make yourself brim with confidence and face your fears head-on.
Team building and Conflict resolution:
➔Conflict resolution- In order to run an effective sports team, the players should have no unresolved issues between them. It could be personal or professional. If any exists, it should be resolved in an effective and just manner. Firing or punishing is never a good way unless the situation demands so.
➔Team bonding- It is not necessary that the team has similar hobbies but it is often required that they do enjoy each other’s company.
The psychology of team sports is quite interesting and can be challenging as well. In fact that has given birth to a new discipline in psychology also known as sports psychology that deals with athletes who find it difficult to blend into a team. If it doesn’t it could have catastrophic results for the sport as a whole.
Read More: Developing Mental Toughness In Athletes – Importance!
