In team sports such as soccer, volleyball, football or baseball, team communication can win or lose a game. Improving team communication and overall team building can be accomplished through warm-up exercises involving several players at the same time. These exercises can also improve an athlete's level of motivation and effort before practice or immediately before a game to prepare for competition.
Calisthenics
Commonly used before football games, calisthenics can also be used by any team sport to promote team building. The most common types of calisthenics include jumping jacks, bouncing drills, squats, push-ups and sit-ups. For team building, the team will perform the exercises in groups as they count the number of repetitions together. Performing the calisthenics together can build camaraderie among the players through communicating in unison during the exercise. Other goals include preparing the joints and muscles for competition. During the off-season, calisthenics can be used with free weights or dumbbells for added resistance.
Link-Up Drill
The ability for teammates to communicate nonverbally can improve effectiveness throughout the game. Designed for soccer, the link-up warm-up drill combines players together to work on passing, teamwork and vision. Position two players in the center of a 20-yards-long-by-20-yards-wide square with four players on the outside of the square. Start with one outside player passing to a player on the inside who immediately passes the ball to the other inside player who then passes to a different outside player. Vary the sequence of passes to the outside players and keep the players in the middle for one minute before rotating. This team building warm-up exercise can also be used in lacrosse, baseball or softball.
Serve and Receive
The serve and receive drill is designed for volleyball players to improve team building and defensive skills. Divide the team in half with one half ready to serve and the other half ready to receive on defense. Have one player serve to the defense who works on the serve receive, pass, set and spike. After completing the offensive transition, immediately serve another ball to keep the defense moving. The focus is on quick communication and hustle among the defensive players. This drill is an opportunity for players to improve serving skills.
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