• A great team building session builds connection. Your whole team gets into a flow state, having such a good time that they lose track of time.
• Throughout your activities, you’ll be watching for previously unidentified leaders to emerge. Who seems to think creatively or collaborates well to solve a challenge?
• Your team building should also provide a healthy way for your athletes to work together to achieve a goal. 

These are the key requirements of any great team building exercise. You should evaluate which activities you include based on the priorities of your season. Take a look at some ideas to get you started:

9 Square in the Air: Every athletic organization should have this tucked in their supply closet. It’s a game that requires everyone to work together and there are a few reasons why it is particularly good for team building. It is easy to learn and it requires no athletic skill, so it levels the playing field for good fun. It also stores easily in three bags, so you set it up for the day and then put it right back in the closet, or leave it up for water breaks!

Work on a Project: Maybe you’ve noticed an increase in the unhoused population around your location. Or you may have a family member of someone on your team going through a difficult time. Coming together to work on a project that benefits someone else can have a great effect on your team. Try these ideas:

• Stock plastic zipper bags with necessities for your local shelter or to keep handy in your car. Have team members bring in simple items, such as small packets of wet wipes, granola bars and water bottles for assembly.
• Have a cookie decorating contest, then donate the cookies to a local charity.
• Host a kids’ camp. Athletes get the fun of teaching their skills to younger athletes, helping them build confidence and establish connections.