David Yukelson

Principles of effective team building interventions in sport: A direct services approach at Penn State University

Abstract Team building is an ongoing, multifaceted process where group members learn how to work together for a common goal, and share pertinent information regarding the quality of team functioning for the purpose of establishing more effective ways of operating. This article describes a “hands on” approach to conducting team building interventions in sport. Drawing on reserurh from organizational development and group dynamic theory in sport, as well as information derived from interviews with coaches and athletes, key principles associated with successful team building interventions are presented and discussed. Core components to consider in building a successful team include having a shared vision and unity of purpose, collaborative and synergistic teamwork, individual and mutual accountability, an identity as a team, a positive team culture and cohesive group atmosphere. open and honest communication processes, peer helping and social support, and trust at all levels. Recommendations for conducting e...

The Challenges Encountered by Immigrated Elite Athletes

Sport psychology consultants and coaches in sport sometimes work with athletes who re-locate from other countries. Though immigrated athletes encounter many transition and adjustment issues linked to their relocation, little is known about what those challenges are and subsequently, how they might be overcome. This article identifies some of the challenges encountered by this group of athletes, post-relocation, and subsequently proposes a brief adaptation framework and associated strategies that can be used either through direct (i.e., by the athlete) or indirect (i.e., through coaches and sport scientists) means. Recommendations are provided to expedite the immigrated athletes adaptation process.

Understanding immigrated professional athletes' support networks during post-relocation adaptation through media data

A directed content analysis (Hsieh & Shannon, 2005) of media data concerning immigrated Major League Baseball (n = 56) and National Hockey League (n = 56) players was done to explore post-relocation stressors and adaptation. Fiskes (2004) adaptation pathways of understanding, control, belonging, and trust guided the analysis. The understanding sub-strategies were language advice, language models, and integration advice; control sub-strategies were language reinforcement and integration reinforcement; belonging sub-strategies were shared cultural background and cultural appreciation from ones sport team; and trusting sub-strategies were inclusive reputation of the team and of immigrated veterans. These results extend understandings of adaptation and cultural sport psychology into the realm of immigrant professional athletes relocated to North America. Furthermore, the authors provide suggestions for applied sport psychologists who work with a diversity of immigrated clients.

The Competitive Goal Effectiveness Paradox Revisited: Examining the Goal Practices of Prospective Olympic Athletes

The experience and skill of prospective Olympic athletes make them a potentially valuable resource to better understand goal effectiveness. Therefore, the purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the nature of perceived goal effectiveness within an elite athlete sample. Participants were 338 athletes (M age = 24.6 years; SD = 6.9 years) from 12 sports who completed an extensive goal-setting survey. Four separate questionnaires assessing perceived goal frequency, effectiveness, commitment, and barriers were factor analyzed to identify relevant dimensions. Perceived goal-effectiveness dimensions were then used to cluster athletes into four profile groups, and differences among the groups were examined on goal frequency, commitment, barriers, self-confidence, and career success. Multifaceted goal-setters scored highest on all variables, goal nonbelievers were lowest, and disillusioned process and competitive goal setters fell in between these extremes. Future directions for goal-effectiveness research are also recommended.

The Psychology of Ongoing Excellence: An NCAA Coach's Perspective on Winning Consecutive Multiple National Championships

Although coaches often talk about the importance of building a championship team, very few studies have addressed the mindset and psychosocial dynamics of teams winning multiple championships in a row. The purpose of this reflective report is to explore from a psychology of coaching perspective, factors perceived to be most paramount in building and sustaining a repeatable championship team culture over time. During the 2007–2010 seasons, a Division One NCAA university volleyball team won four successive national championships in a row. The lead author interviewed the head coach to ascertain his thoughts and reflections on foundational beliefs and coaching philosophy, program development and team norms, group dynamics and synergistic team functioning, and factors that influence the sustainability of excellence from year to year. Results from the structured interview were very enlightening, revealing insights into the importance of recruiting athletes that are the right fit, having a game plan to develop continuity and consistency from year to year, coaching for accountability and self-responsibility, reflections on true leadership and the essence of selfless service, mental skills training and the psychology of coaching, and getting athletes to buy into the program and perform with pride, collective confidence, and resiliency under pressure.

Helping with the Acculturation of Immigrant Elite Coaches in Canadian Sport Contexts

With the globalization of sport, sport psychology consultants may work with coaches who have relocated from their home countries to an unfamiliar host country. Limited awareness of challenges faced by immigrant coaches may impede effective collaborations among immigrant coaches, peer coaches, and athletes, and create team conflict and performance issues for coaches and athletes. Within the current article, the acculturation processes of immigrant coaches are highlighted through four examples of how immigrant coaches have navigated these experiences in sport contexts. Strategies are proposed for sport psychology consultants to support immigrant coaches and those with whom they work to enhance communication and peak performance.