Running head: PSYCHOLOGY

Introduction to Sports

Name

Institution
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Intro in Sport

The case that I identified is high school men’s basketball. The team has recently been

faced with various challenges that have hindered team cohesion. There is also the formation of

small groups within the team. The team members are generally not motivated, and the series of

events arises from the previous lose.

Potential Barriers towards the Team Cohesion

The team have faced various challenges, thus hindering team cohesion. The first barrier is

the lack of teamwork. The team could not work as a unit, and this contributed to their failure.

Forming small groups amongst the team made them have a conflict of ideas. Thus, it became

difficult for the team to work towards a common goal.

The second barrier the team faced is a lack of motivation. The team members generally

were unexcited, and they were not motivated. Thus, they were geared not to achieve better

results as compared to their current performance. Besides, they never felt the urge to work hard

as a group. The situation made the team lack cohesion hence poor performance.

Lastly, poor communication made a major contribution to the team not being cohesive.

There was no proper channel of communication, and this resulted in miscommunication. Poor

communication may also have contributed to the players' change in physical appearance. For

instance, if the coach did not ensure that all the members received the right information of time

regarding dieting and exercise, then it would be a definite indicator of the poor performance

perceived in the team.

Strategies to Overcome the Barriers

As a sport psychologist consultant, I would suggest various strategies to be employed to

curb the challenges faced in the team. First, I would come up with a well-defined channel of
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communication that will accommodate two-way communication. The channel will encourage the

team to send feedback to their coach and leave room for suggestions on areas that need to be

improved. The channel will ensure a strong bond between the coach and the team members

hence team cohesion.

Motivation plays a major role in teamwork. Thus, I would provide various ways in which

the team can be motivated. The coach can ensure consistent motivation for the team. The team

members can be taken for a paid holiday when they perform well. The team can be recognized

by having them rewarded with medals every time they participate in competitions. The coach can

also encourage the team even after being defeated and let the team understand that there is

always a winner when teams come together. Besides, the team should not give up as long as they

have given their best.

The other strategy would be coming up with each member of the team's role with well-

defined responsibilities. The coach can also draft the team's goals, and this will provide a path to

be followed. Besides, the members will appreciate each other, and they will work as a team to

achieve the defined goals.

Reason Why the Strategies Were Selected

I selected the strategies above because they will directly address the challenges currently

facing the team. The strategies will enhance cohesion because poor communication will be

addressed, and the members will be able to work as a team. The team will be motivated, and they

will all be excited. Thus, they will end up working towards a common goal. Coming up with a

common goal for each member's team and responsibilities will make a major contribution in

providing identity to the team.

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Reference

Puig, E. P., Robles, N., Saigí-Rubió, F., Zamora, A., Moharra, M., Paluzie, G., ... & Carrion, C.

(2019). Assessment of the efficacy, safety, and effectiveness of weight control and

obesity management mobile health interventions: a systematic review. JMIR mHealth

and uHealth, 7(10), e12612.