Building Chemistry: How Do You Do It?
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Loading ...I’m still behind on writing for the blog–a week in China and a weekend trip have eaten into my free time to write. Been doing a lot of thinking though (see blog title).
Today’s question, open forum:
How do you build team chemistry?
To put this a little more specifically: how do you take players who are unfamiliar with each other and get them to a point where they work well on the field?
I think that it follows somewhat with off-field chemistry: guys (and girls) need to be comfortable talking to each other about what’s working and what isn’t.
Social events are good to that end, but more particularly I’m thinking about things like practice/training groups–such groupings can make some artificial camaraderie where it doesn’t exist naturally (as it might between roomates, for instance). If I want my offensive handlers to gel with each other, I definitely want them drilling and playing together–but I want them going to the gym together, doing sprints together, too.
Is that too much? Does an emphasis on groups like that (e.g., persistent O/D line splits in drills, practice, etc) cost the overall team dynamic? Would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Q: Does an emphasis on groups like that (e.g., persistent O/D line splits in drills, practice, etc) cost the overall team dynamic?
A: I believe so. although in the short term you can get them to a point where they work well on the field with persistent O/D line splits in drills, practice, etc. an Us & Them mindset might develop. For long term chemistry you want the team to hang out and play together (different lines) as much as possible.
Some things i've done: veterans teaching new players, regular rotation on partners in drills, runs, plyo's etc., mini games like 4X4, hotbox. So players can get to know each other better personally and as players. You want the capability to mix and match your lines
Asking em to go to the gym together, or other things together may be a little too much. Sometimes ya need a little space for things other than ultimate or friends outside of disc.
Have also noticed that people start playing ultimate mostly becuse of friends and they tend to play on the same teams as their friends. Teams also have a tendency to form becuase of similar interests,workplace, etc.
Hi Mackey,
As I am also somewhat ultimate-starved with a lot of time on my hands, I thought I’d let you know how much I enjoy reading and appreciate your blog. Hope to get to play with you again sometime soon.
Carson
Also, I have been training all year with Crossfit and feel like I am stronger, faster and more explosive than I was last year at this time. The only thing that I am currently lacking is a team to play for. I’m missing that Dartmouth chemistry.
I wish there were more veteran players commenting on this. I am currently trying out for a new team in the Harrisburg area. I don’t have a lot of cohesion with the rest of the team. The team is in its 2nd year, so there isn’t a ton of cohesion all around.
I’d love to hear more ideas on how to gel more. I like the ideas you listed Mackey. Thanks again for the great content on this blog.