Mental Edge Monday Building Team Synergy

Mental Edge Monday Building Team Synergy

Apr 13, 2015 by Helena Lambert
Mental Edge Monday Building Team Synergy
The stage is set for 12 teams to battle face to face at NCAA Championships at the Fort Worth Convention Center Arena in Fort Worth, Texas this weekend April 17-19. Which team will peak at the right time and come up on top? This week’s Mental Edge topic is how to build team synergy. In action, it’s a powerful phenomenon between a cohesive group working together to consume the fewest amount of resources to get the job done. Which team will exude synergy and be crowned this year’s NCAA Championship Team? Gymnastike spoke with HeadGames mental toughness trainer, Jennifer Roitman-Seamans. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UVM as well as a Master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology with a Counseling focus from the Arizona School of Professional Psychology. She is a former collegiate gymnast from New York. Having been a club gymnast and then competing for the University of Vermont she knows the importance of team synergy.

Just about anyone tuning into a collegiate meet on TV would say at first glance that all the teams have synergy.

“They all have the same shimmery face tattoo. They all stand in a line as their teammate is competing holding hands. They all cheer no matter what. They have a hi-5 receiving line after each competes, no matter what,” Jen musses.



You know the teams! But let’s scratch the surface a bit and dig deeper to see what lies beneath those ‘shine bright like a diamond’ leotards.

At the start of the competition season, teams harness the momentum of synergy to realize their end goals. “Is it to qualify for regionals or nationals? Is it to go 6 for 6 on each event in every meet they have in the season? Is it to increase their difficulty and be competitive against the best teams in their league,” Jen adds.

Tip # 1- Communication
Collegiate athletes spend so much time together, from daily practices to study hours and even becoming roommates. The time spent with one another increases communication and creates a lasting bond. Goals and expectations are discussed together and everyone’s input is welcomed. A great way to discuss goals outside the gym is at a team dinner. “Talk about successes and how close you are to the overall goals. Know what has to be done to complete them,” explains Jen.

Take the discussion one step further and write the goals down. Jen says, “One of the reasons why goal setting is sometimes ineffective is because someone will create a goal (team or individual) and either not write it down or write it down and put it in a drawer or folder never to be seen again. Once a goal is created it should be visible EVERYWHERE!”

Post the team goals, inspirational quotes strategically around the gym. A gymnast walks into the gym, maybe not having the best day but sees the vision board her team created and reminds her of what they are striving for.

In a recent interview with UCLA Freshman, Janay Honest a question was asked, how does your team stay mentally tough in competition? “We’ve been focusing a lot on energy in the gym and keeping the energy up during practice. Positive synergy keeps the team together. We debrief and have team meetings to focus on mental toughness. We discuss as a group what we need as individuals to keep us mentally focused. For me it’s keeping a simple mind, another teammate might need a pep talk from a senior before going out. We all help each other out with mental toughness.”

UCLA Bruins demonstrating team synergy the day prior to 2015 Regional Championships 
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10153443504254311
Via UCLA Facebook page

Tip #2 Each participant commits to their role
If you notice every teammate had a role in the video. Whether it was cheering as loud as they could for Sam Peszek, mirroring her movements or trying to distract her, there was a place for everyone on the floor.

“Every person on the team plays a role. It doesn't matter if someone is in the lineup all the time or competing all around. You might have someone out with an injury, but darn it they are going to be the best mat puller out there. You have someone who isn't completing on an event. They are going to be part of the cheer squad that is standing near the event holding each other's hands,” Jen adds.

Tip #3 Integrating
A goal of a coach is for his or her athletes to come together and become whole. They are stronger together than their best individual athlete. One person’s negative attitude has an impact on the rest of the team.

Jen suggests visualizing a pond still as can be, then throwing even the tiniest pebble into that pond. You will see ripples miles away. A great inspirational quote that adds to Jen’s metaphor is:

"The idea that everything is purposeful really changes the way you live. To think that everything that you do has a ripple effect, that every word that you speak, every action that you make affects other people and the planet."~ Victoria Moran

It’s best for coaches and gymnasts to leave the ‘tude at the door and come to practice with a positive focus to drive them forward. Tools to change or flip your attitude from a negative to positive are called flip its, Jen adds. Try taking several deep breaths, after each breath use your mental choreography or “MC” words such as: “I am fierce or I am unstoppable.” Use these tools all the time in practice and competition to get in your zone and in a more positive place.

Gymnastike gives two fist pumps in the air to HeadGames coach Jen for the great advice and to the Super 6 teams heading into the NCAA Championships this weekend. May the best team with the best synergy win!

What are some mental toughness challenges you’d like to see answered? Comment below!