The goal of this paper is to extend empirical knowledge of the team factors
which influence cohesion and offer practical team building strategies designed to
enhance these factors. Team factors result from the interactions among team
members, their perceptions of one another, and their expectations for themselves,
their teammates, and the group. While these factors have received only minimal
attention by practitioners, their impact on team effectiveness and cohesion
cannot be ignored. The strategies proposed will be most effective for coaches and
athletes at a high level of competition. The strategies require athlete input and
are designed to make the athletes feel they have control over their environment
and are self-determined. Specifically, team building strategies will be developed
for norms, roles, group goals, and social suppo