Team Bonding Ideas?

Any good suggestions out there for team bonding activities, to improve or enhance team chemistry and morale? This could be something either away from the field or at the field? I am asking this actually for another sport (not softball), but thinking that softball folks may know some proven tricks of the trade!

Thanks in advance.

 

Be wary of the apple syndrome.......it only takes one to tear apart all the effort of building the strong ties. ID the one if present.

 

NO CLICKS--- NO BUENO !!!!

I Think the biggest issue on a team is when 2-4 girls become so chumby that they shut others out. This should be addressed in the beginning if a team is to stay healthy. If should be known to the kids / parents that CLICKS will not be allowed,and this behavior will not be tolerated within a body of a team. The gelling process can not adhere within a team without proper guidance from the coach and especially the parents to encourage that their daughters include everybody on the team. Could you imagine if the arm told the foot that it didn't need it or want it around,well that's exactly what we tell others by our body language without saying a word. What if the eye told the nose that the body doesn't really need you, can you imagine not having the nose ??? I think the comradery of each team mate is a vital importance if the body of players will continue to be a TEAM. My advice would be to encourage off season sleepovers so that the bonding of the girls will not get weak, and include even those less likely to be invited just because of different silly reasons. I have coached over 10 years and still see those that would make good team mates being left out because of their looks, money, etc...So remember CLICKS are like CANCER and we know what that can do... WANTABE

FOOTNOTE : One of the friendlist kids I've met over the past years that just graduated from Forest Hills High School ( Mike Stewart's Daughter), she would make a statue welcome, she goes out of her way to hug,and welcome new kids that cross her path...if she has a mean bone in her body she hides it well..We need more kids like her spreading hugs to all the misfit kids that want to be part of a TEAM.

 

age

by the way, this is for a girls' team (HS kids).

 

agree

WANTABE, agree with your thoughts. what about in-season bonding activities or strategies?

 

this isnt directly for the bonding issue but I thought I would share it... successfull coach up our way only takes one extra each week for the varsity. I wondered about this for two years and then this past HS season it hit me. This avoids sitting in the dugout and "idle hands becoming the devil's workshop" with 2, 3, 4 extra players talking about why they aren't playing. Is he takling a chance on injury?... of course. But seeing firsthand on a HS team what happens when you have multiple personalities sitting on the bench who think they should be playing it is the definate lesser of two evils. I dont think this applies so much to travel ball especially as you move into showcase play where girls understand they dont have to play every inning of every game... particularly when there aren't any scouts present from schools they are interested in.

 

JMO

I think during the teenage years young girls go through so much, of course you know what happens around 12-13 years of age,and let me tell you there isn't anything sacred when it comes to young girls bodies when there are 10-12 of them in the dugout ( CATCH MY DRIFT ), they don't mind telling you about their personal business. Changing the subject or getting back on the subject, girls are different in just about every aspect on and off the field. My DD likes her time with her friends,and her time with her family, but I've noticed lately that boys are becoming more and more into her life..Sorry had to VENT...Girls need female bonding just like boys/ or bigger boys (MEN) require as often as 2 times a week. One way of girls bonding is to have sleep overs,and go to movies with friends or that dreaded place called THE MALL, where all the hot guys hang out or that's where my DD says they hang out,sometimes you have to put sports on the back burner...DID I SAY THAT??..Strategie #1 don't stiffle your kid with too much of anything or she will get BURNED OUT, and the process that you've been going through may have to be started all over again...WHAT ?? Yes all over again...learn to let them be kids or else they want be good ADULTS !!!!I probably didn't give you much to go on,but this is all I could think of at the time...Softball Guru

 

This is GURU with the Boys so to speak .....WELL PUT GURU

GURU FOR PRESIDENT

 

how about a cookout?

The wrestling team at Newton-Conover always has a preseason "get together" at either coaches house to welcome new faces to the program. It is paid for by the coaches, not asking any money from the boosters or parents. The atmosphere is light and casual. Team rules and expectations are covered during the meal, then team building activities such as races, knot tieing, etc. Hope this helps. Ask you local hs JROTC for help also.