GLOBAL RUGBY SEPTEMBER
There are a bunch of factors we need to consider when trying to achieve
and build team chemistry, keeping players motivated, setting goals,
measuring results, and enjoying each others company. While there is no
one recipe for success, we have identified, from personal experience, what
works well and have decided to share that information for the better of our
rugby coaching community. In order to build team chemistry we must first
define it. Wright believes that:
“Team chemistry is one of the most complicated keys to the success of
organisations. Effective teams are more than just a collection of talented
members. To be effective, a team has to be able to combine the efforts and
abilities of members in the right way. Just as no two people are identical,
no two teams are identical. Consequently, what works well for one team
may not work well for others.”
Having clearly defined it, let’s have a crack and informing you how to build
team chemistry.
3 Ways To Build
TEAM CHEMISTRY
1) Split Your Squad Into
Mini-Teams
2) Hold A Training Camp
to achieve this. It may be as simple as attending
This should most definitely be held pre-season
a post-match function in the opposition’s
Having experienced this strategy whilst
whilst preparing for the regular season. Holding
clubroom where everyone toasts the other
playing in Canterbury, New Zealand, and
a training camp is an excellent way to build
side, thanks them for the hospitality and wishes
having recently compiled a document for a
team chemistry as it quite literally separates
them best of luck for the next game and rest of
Representative side in Melbourne, I believe
the players in your system from their normal
the season. It’s quite important for your captain
this point has significant bearing on how to
every day life – they have no option but to
to undertake this task, as it reinforces the fact
build team chemistry. The purpose of splitting
invest in the rugby team. It is very important
that he/she represents the group.
a squad of players into sub groups is to create
to coach and teach team policies throughout
Another type of social event that increases your
smaller, close-knit teams or communities who
the training camp, develop the team’s mindset
ability to build team chemistry could be a mixer,
spend more time together, compete against the
and understanding of what you are trying to
disco, formal dinner or ball. This way you can
other mini teams and encourage each other
achieve. You could collectively define goals
encourage partners of players (if applicable) to
to attend trainings as they are accountable
and set objectives, or even ask your mini teams
attend and buy into the atmosphere. That way
for each other. An example of a successful
to create these for everyone then decide as a
they become supportive of the cause, the club
squad split into mini groups can be seen in the
team what you want to achieve.
and the team chemistry.
Insides and Outsides, and are 7-time Super
Other duties you can assign mini teams at a
Conclusion:
Rugby champions.
training camp include: Introducing a budget for
Well, there you have it, three ways to build
each player, a budget for purchasing groceries,
team chemistry as seen from personal
Here are a few ideas that you can assign to
delegate mini teams to organise social events
experience. There has got to be dozens of ways
these mini groups: You can delegate duties that
and activities, logistics plans and/or cleaning.
to build team chemistry as a rugby coach, and
could include setting up fields for match day,
Hosting a training camp does wonders to
above are but a few in what must be an eternity
packing away the fields on match day, clean the
build team chemistry as everyone buys into
of nifty ways to build team chemistry. If you
changing sheds, organising drinks and food for
the system, learns new skills and has input into
have found or experienced alternative methods
post match, work behind the bar (if applicable)
creating team goals and achievement markers.
that have worked, please share them in the
Crusaders – they have four – Tighties, Loosies,
or in the kitchen and use these teams
comments sections below.
Splitting your squad into mini teams will build
3) Attendence At Social
Events
team chemistry, increase engagement and
This one goes without saying. To build club
competition within the squad, which always
culture, is similar to how to build team
leads to a positive outcome.
chemistry, and Social Events is an excellent way
when playing games at the end of training.
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