Developing the team unit

A coach from an Intermediate hurling club asks:

"The season didn't go too well for us - we didn't really recover from a heavy defeat early on and I never felt the camp was truly united. With a view to next year, how can we improve our teamwork and spirit?"

Building positive spirit and morale in the group is the holy grail of managers and coaches in all team sports and often seems unattainable in times of crisis. It can help to focus on five key building blocks inherent in fostering a successful team unit.

1. Goals

It is vital in any team that everyone involved knows the direction the whole ship is headed. Team goals can include everything from overall championship performance to fitness and accuracy aspirations. Back these up with achievable game-to-game targets and ensure open communication between players and coaches. It is important that goals are agreed upon rather than enforced on players.

2. Strategy

Coaches always have a team strategy outlined in their heads ? their "brand" of football or hurling it's often referred to. Fundamentals like how the team will gain possession and how they will use the ball, how the defence is shaped and how scoring chances are created. More important than the strategy itself is how it's communicated to players. This is, in fact, a sales job and to close any sale you have to employ a little cuteness. Get your key personalities in the panel on board before going to the whole unit. When you do hold a team meeting, give everyone a chance to offer their own input within the boundaries you set.

3. Teamwork

Every successful unit is a set of teams within a team. Build close knit relationships within these sub-units. Your full-back line, for instance, will have to know each other's play inside out. Repeat and repeat covering and shadowing drills to foster telepathy. Make unselfishness a watchword.

4. Recognition

All team sports ? however a coach guards against it ? will produce elite players. This need not be a problem in itself ? most players are honest enough with themselves to recognise their own level and will appreciate how having a star player in the ranks will help them achieve their own ambitions. It is important that every player's contribution be recognised and evaluated. Communication is even more vital with number 25 on your panel than the star free-taker. To avoid the kind of resentment that can eat away at morale be very clear with players why they are not starting, tell them what they must do to improve and provide constant feedback on progress.

5. Respect

Mutual respect between coaches and players is crucial. A fair and honest coach will achieve respect. And honest recognition of players' roles and contributions will help them respect one another.
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