ABSTRACT

Performing and training can take a significant physical and psychological toll on sports performers. Indeed, whilst the volume of physical training is an important factor in how hard a team is working, other important factors need to be considered, including the team environment, the interactions between team members, and the logistics associated with being a competitive team. While many teams plan for physical recovery, the planning for mental and emotional recovery is less well defined. This issue is of particular concern due to the psychological and emotional costs of performing and continually interacting in a team environment. The effective planning of team recovery is further complicated by the degree of personal preferences and individual differences that exist regarding what is considered to constitute effective recovery. A particular challenge for the management and coaching staff of a team is how to ensure all team members have the opportunity to recover effectively between training sessions and matches/competitions.