HEALTH

     

You see them 24/7, but that doesn't mean you're always going to click. Here's how to push past problems to become super tight. Victory!  

 

        1) Find out what they’re really like—on and off the field.. You guys probably spend a lot of time together talking about your sport (team dinners anyone?), but try to get to know more about them than their position or training regimen. Maybe the mid-fielder happened to take your same super-hard chem elective, maybe the captain is a huge Taylor Swift fan or maybe the goalie is secretly a crazy-talented poet. Finding some common ground (or even just some cool new info) can really help create a bond.

2) Create a silly pre-game ritual. Nothing says BFFs like fun, funny inside jokes. Decide to do something crazy before each game (like tapping each other’s cleats with a ‘magical’ stick) for instant LOLs and good feelings. The weirder the better! 

3) Start a big sister/little sister program. Team up an older player with a younger player for a mini-mentorship program. Buy each other little gifts, practice together, have "family" outings...whatever works. Big/sis little sis is a super easy way to make an instant bond with someone on the team, and helps the whole team get closer as a result.  

4) Tell it like it is. We get it. Sometimes it’s tough to speak your mind, but if one of your teammates is really bothering you (whether over a vicious rumor or constant criticism of your technique), you have to talk it out. Otherwise, you're building resentment and will never feel *truly* close to yoru team. Think about it—if your bestie was bugging you, you'd tell her, right?

 

5) Meet off the field. You spend a ton of time with your teammates, but maybe it’s still not enough. Really getting to know someone and talking to them can help you make that all-important connection that builds your friend group AND your confidence on the field or court. So go to Starbucks, eat at that new Mexican restaurant or go get ice cream. Hey, new besties!

 

How do you bond with your teammates? What tips or tricks can you share? Let us know below!

by Marin Langlieb | 2/1/2016