Teamwork is critical to volleyball success. Players must communicate on the court, work in concert and support one another, building cohesion in all aspects of the sport. So building togetherness off the court is critical as well. Bonding activities help players come together as a group, have more fun in practices and develop more pride in the team.
Hold Social Activities Away From Volleyball
Out-of-town tournaments give teams an opportunity to bond away from the court. Team meals and hotel activities bring players together. Oakdale High School in California used a preseason beach house trip to help incoming players blend with the returning veterans. "We played so many different games and even charades," senior player Juli Powell told the Oakdale Leader. "Stuff really focused on team bonding and getting to know each other. All of the girls slept downstairs in like one big den, so that was fun."
Stage Non-Volleyball Competitions
Find different and fun ways for the players to compete. Mix in some non-volleyball games at the gym, like kickball or dodgeball. Schedule competitive activities like laser tag, bowling, miniature golf and paintball away from the gym. Players who are backups in volleyball might star in other games, which helps them raise their standing within the group.
Develop Team Rituals
Traditions and rituals do more than satisfy superstition. They involve all the players and help create a team identity.. For instance, the Avon High School team in Indiana comes together for a "do it" cheer, then circles together and prays, then does a "stomp-clap" cheer. "I feel like they help us keep a [consistent] mental state from game to game," junior volleyball player Emily Young told the student newspaper, the "Avon Echo." "If we don't do them, it feels like something will go wrong."
Address Team Cliques
Cliques can develop on any team. Players naturally gravitate toward teammates with similar interests and personalities. Coaches and team leaders must work constantly to keep the team from splintering, urging older or more established players to support the younger or less established players. Ideally, the more accomplished players will take pride in the progress of lesser players. Giving established players instructional responsibility can encourage that.
