The relationship between a player, coach and team members is give and take. There are a host of qualities that you, as a player, can bring to the table for a solid relationship in a team setting.
Fill out the "unofficial" self-reflective questionnaire provided below. No one is peering over your shoulder or checking out your replies so be honest with yourself. This way, you will see the ways in which you are on the road to building a solid team relationship and in ways you can improve.
Qualities For Building A Solid Relationship With Your Coach and Team-Mates Awareness
Questionnaire.
(circle the number at the end of the response that most closely resembles your behavior and reactions).
Personal Responsibility: To engage and strive for a high level of success is a decision you make each day. The knowledge an athlete achieves regarding focus, commitment to a program, and participation with a positive attitude are frequently learned qualities. In good situations, these qualities can also be groomed with guidance from coaches.
1. How do you show up mentally and physicall for practices?
a) As I change into my workout clothes or uniform I begin to focus on the mental/physical
routines which help me become mentally and physically ready to engage in a worthwhile
practice. (3)
b) When we meet as a team and the coach discusses goals for the practice, it takes me awhile
to tune in and become fully present. I am slow to warm-up and get with the program,
both mentally and physically. (2)
c) I frequently meander into practices late. I often need a teammate or coach to fill me in
on what the schedule is for the practice. I don't like knowing the details ahead of time. I
stay interested by not knowing what is next. (1)
Managing Emotions: In Control of Self: During the course of the season, many events happen
on and off the field that have the potential to be disruptive.
2) How do you manage your emotions when life distractions occur?
a) I've developed skills to let go of negative thoughts and redirect my energies towards the
positive aspects of challenging situations. I know that even when there are many
potential negative pitfalls to focus on in certain situations there are also pieces I can
manage by maintaining a positive perspective. (3)
b) When I experience low energy days because because of distractions (school,
relationship conflicts, etc.), I can become irritable with myself and others, which
affects the quality of my games, practices and overall performance. (2)
c) Small incidences and inconveniences often set me off emotionally and ruin practices.
Sometimes my funk lasts for days. Once I get off track emotionally, I don't have the
tools or patience to shift the negative roller coaster, until things go my way again. (1)
Dependability: I make a commitment to myself and the success of the team by setting and achieving goals that improve my athletic skills.
3) How dependable are you as a team player?
a) I've earned a reputation for quality performances (not perfect, but consistent). I know
my consistancy is due to the extra time I put into my preparation. My coaches and
team-mates are confident that I will be ready to perform in a clutch situation. I don't
always succeed, but I am known to give full effort and show up confident. (3)
b) My dependability as a player comes and goes. I attend all the practices, buy don't
put in any extra time or effort unless it's a big game. (2)
c) When I don't feel inspired to go to the gym, or practices aren't required, I allow
myself to slide. Relying on my natural talent has always been my good fortune. (1)
Communication: Team dynamics are often complex. It is not unusual for a coach and player
to have misunderstandings and miscommunication during the course of a season.
4) When conflicts arise between the coach and myself or another player.....
a) I am able to step back and think out my part of the conflict. Sometimes I seek out
counsel from a trusted team-mate to gain perspective. After I think about the issue
and my part in it, I decide the next action step. Frequently, I can let the issue go, or
I make time to meet with the coach or player to discuss how we can resolve the
the issue amicably. (3)
b) I ignore problems and usually wait them out until they disappear. Often I sit on
on my feelings and it makes me moody for days. (2)
c) I whine to the coach about the other player and make it the coaches problem to
resolve the issue. Or if I have a conflict with the coach, I whine to my team-mates
until they are tired of listening to me. (1)
Value: Value and character are meaningful qualities you contribute to the team experience.
5) In what ways do you bring value to the team environment?
a) I am a role player. I understand the importance of everyone's contribution within
the team dynamic. Even though I prefer the status of "star" (get in line who
doesn't), I have no problem getting the ball into the hands of a team-mate who
is in a position to score. (3)
b) I know my assigned role on the team and the expectations of my position as a
player, but I'm often not happy with the role. Sometimes I don't put out as much
effort as I can because I don't feel my value is recognized. (2)
c) I'm not really clear about my role on the team and in what ways my emotional
energy has an influence. I just enjoy playing. (1)
Respect: Respect includes respect for the team, the players, the coach and your
opponents.
6) How does respect fit into your playing experience?
a) I understand the big picture of sports and my responsibility as an athlete to be
prepared for all the challenges of playing on a team. Sometimes the coach will
make choices I don't agree with, or a team-mate will do something I am not happy
with, but it is a part of the team culture and I respect it. Even the flaws. (3)
b) I respect most of the coaches and most of the players, but I can't/don't like and get
along with everyone all the time. (2)
c) I respect my coach and team-mates, but refuse to buy into respecting my
opponents. Although I know some of my opponents are well-established players
with proven athletic competence, an attitude of disrespect for my opponent serves
as motivation for me. (1)
Score: Tally up the numbers from your selected replies.
Score: (18-13) Your relationship with your coach and team-mates is probably working
well for you. You show up ready to compete and know that there will always be
issues, challenges and situations that need to be worked out. Sometimes things
don't fall in your favor and you don't have a melt down. When opportunities arise
you are prepared and ready to respond. The coach and your team-mates will
notice these qualities in you. He/she will recognize your maturity, dependability
and value as a player and team leader.
Score: (12-7) Take a look at the 2's and 1's you checked off the list. Do you have ideas as
to how you can work to improve in these areas? Sometimes coaches and/or team-
mates would benefit by improving certain areas as well, but this is about you and
what you can do to move your athletic involvement forward on a good note to
reach a higher level.
Score: (6 or less) OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!! Get some support and ideas so you can improve your
situation. If everyone is wrong but you, you have a tough road ahead. If you are
in a high school setting, see if you can find some sport psychology books about
team participation and mental skills. There are many, many great books for
this topic available online. If you are in a college setting, you can go the book
route and/or check in with a sports counselor through the athletic department
or counseling department. Make sure the counselor has sport psychology
training and knowledge.
Hope you had some fun thinking about the questions. No-ones perfect - nor is there a need to be
but there is always room for improvement!
