What can I say to make my team feel as a team.

Lee-annes NetballCoach, Australia

my question would be,what are you already telling them that they have lost confidence in their ability by the end of the game?  is it just that they have lost?  is it that they know they arent playing well?  what age group are we talking here?  are they losing every game?

if its a case they are just not winning, then there are a few really threads here already about teams not winning and what to do.  the basics would be to take the focus off winning and concetrate on what positives are being achieved.  are they stepping less?  less in intercepts?  better driving towards ball?  shooting percentages inproving? stronger passes?  opening up space?  all these things can improve and you can show them that they are improving, but maybe they are too high a division for their ability.

if they arent gelling as a team, then maybe consider doing some off court team days, where they go see the local NZ team play, have a team bbq, or movie night, something that they can all just let their hair down and have a great time.  that isnt something you can just say to them, but it is something that you can remind them, that while on the court, that their teammates are their family, and should be respected as such, no matter what their ability, or strengths or weaknesses, whether they like them or not.  on that court they are all equally important, and that each of them need to support each team member.

hope that helps.

Netball CoachCoach

Thank you for your answer on my question, the girls ages are 15-16  yr old players so this is the first session they have played together as a team. Also my first time with this team and things are improving since I asked this question. My mentor coach also gave me some ideas.

Cheers Kim