Group and Team Dynamics in Sport

• A group is a collection of people who all share similar goals and interact with one another.
• A group is 2 or more people that interact and influence each other towards a shared goal.
• A characteristic of a group is a collective identity normally shown by a team name, kit or chant.
• A characteristic of a group is a common or identical goal.
• A successful group works towards the same objective.
• A characteristic of a group is structured lines of communication to enable interaction and influence over others.
• A characteristic of a group is mutual awareness or interdependence.
• A success group has knowledge of group members strengths and weaknesses with being able to rely on each other.
• When selecting a sports team, a coach should consider sporting ability.
• When selecting a sports team, a coach should consider communication between others.
• When selecting a sports team, a coach should consider relationships between players.
• When selecting a sports team, a coach should consider ability to work in a team.
• When selecting a sports team, a coach should consider positional flexibility.
• When selecting a sports team, a coach should consider leadership capabilities.
• When selecting a sports team, a coach should consider effort and commitment to training.
• When selecting a sports team, a coach should consider past experience.
• When selecting a sports team, a coach should consider age.
• When selecting a sports team, a coach should consider shared goals.
• When selecting a sports team, a coach should consider fitness levels.
• When selecting a sports team, a coach should consider coachability.
• Tuckman (1965) explained different stages groups go through at different speeds depending on various factors such as group goals, personality, outcomes, friendships.
• The 4 main stages in Tuckman's model are: Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing.
• At the forming stage, there is a high dependence on the leader for guidance and direction.
• At the forming stage the group members start to get to know one another.
• At the forming stage there is very little agreement on the aims of the team, other than received from the leader.
• At the forming stgae each team member's individual roles are unclear and the team leader must be prepared to give strong direction.
• At the storming stage, group decisions are difficult.
• At the storming stage, team members jostle for position in the team as they attempt to establish themselves in relation to other team members.
• At the storming stage, there is a clearer focus for the team and they have a stronger sense of purpose, although there are many uncertainties.
• At the storming stage, cliques form within the team and there may be power struggles.
• At the storming stage, the teams needs to be focused on its goals to avoid becoming distracted by relationships and emotional issues.
• At the storming stage, there needs to be an environment of compromise to enable progress.
• At the storming stage, the leader has more of an advisory or coaching role.
• At the norming stage, there is much more agreement and consensus of opinion in the team roles and responsibilities are clearer and generally accepted.
• At the norming stage, decisions that are very important are increasingly made through group agreement.
• At the norming stage, less important decisions are delegated to individuals or small teams within the group.
• At the norming stage, there is a much stronger sense of commitment and unity.
• At the norming stage, the team is much more social and individuals are friendly with eachother.
• At the norming stage, there is a general respect for the leader and leadership is more likely to be shared.
• At the performing stage, there is a mutual respect and trust between members.