When I was coaching we did “I Like You” team building. It’s simple yet powerful. I handed out papers to the entire team that had the words, “I like you…” printed across top of the page, and inspiring quotes about teamwork at the bottom, and a blank space with blank space between. Each player got an “I like you” paper for each teammate. (ex: If you have a team of ten, each player gets nine papers). Next the players write each of their teammates names on an I like you paper. Then the fun begins.
I asked the players to write down things that they like about their teammates. First-timers to this activity often take a while to get going but players that have done it before grab their papers and spread out around the locker room or court and get to work.
“Sarah I like you because you are such a good friend on and off the court, and you’re a total stud on defense.”‘ “Olivia I like you because you show us how to work hard everyday and you never give up. Never! Not to mention you can always make me laugh when I’m having a bad day.”, “Katie I like you because you can shoot the lights out, you rebound like a beast and I can talk to you about anything. you’re the best!”
When the players are done they put the papers in a big pile. That night I would divide the papers up so all the like names are together, and then I staple them into a little book. When the girls would get to the locker room before our next game, I would hand out the I Like You’s so that each player could theirs, while they were getting ready. There is no better way to start a game than by receiving positive energy from your teammates.
Before your next game give “I Like You” team building a try.
Print out the I Like You document below and get to work….
