ABSTRACT
Statistically important differences were observed between the national team players and the remainding players in the cohesion of players with the coach. Research supports the view that the coach’s behaviour constitutes a basic mechanism for the creation of a good climate in the team, for the facilitation of its performance and the achievement of objectives (Martens and Peterson, 1971; Papanikolaou, 1988; Papanikolaou et al., in press). According to the above, the leading behaviour of the coach, his personality and his technical knowledge can improve, or destroy the cohesion between the female players of the soccer team. Future studies should be focused on the contribution of the coach in the cohesiveness of soccer teams. Team cohesion is a psychological characteristic (Mikalachki, 1969; VanBergen and Koekebakker, 1959) and the coach must be aware of the psychological well-being of the players as well as their physical well-being. The coach must be sensitive to the need of the players and apply any procedures that would help in the development of cohesiveness within the team. In attempting to develop team cohesion the following ideas and strategies could be used by the coaches (Papanikolaou, 1988):
• develop a team identity; • enhance individual and group motivation; • develop social cohesion; • promote communication; • develop player satisfaction; • develop team leadership; • emphasize the value of discipline; • stress team concept (emphasis of team work); • cultivate optimistic attitudes; • players should help each other; • discuss positive and negative themes.
