TEAM BUILDING IN SPORT

The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of a psychologic al intervention program focusing on team-building principles oft the c ohesion in soccer teams. Perceptions of cohesion of athletes in team-b uilding, control, and attention-placebo cona ol conditions were assess ed prior to the beginning of the season and then after an eight-week i ntervention period. Assessment of athletes' satisfaction with both per sonal and team performance as well as the monitoring of coaching behav ior showed the treatment conditions were comparable on these variables . Results showed that the team-building intervention was not successfu l in enhancing perceptions of cohesiveness. A post-manipulation check of athletes' awareness of the team building components provided suppor t for a number of possible explanations. Implications for future resea rch are discussed.