A mixed methods evaluation of a season-long teamwork training intervention

To date, research on teamwork in sport has focused primarily on conceptualizing and measuring the multidimensional construct and testing its impact on salient consequences. Less attention has been devoted to examining how teamwork behaviors can be improved, although teamwork training has been identified as one potential antecedent. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a season-long teamwork training intervention with interdependent sport teams using a concurrent mixed methods design. Five university teams (n = 113; final longitudinal sample = 82) participated in the intervention. Quantitative data on teamwork behaviors (i.e., teamwork global, preparation, execution, evaluation, adjustments, and management of team maintenance), team cohesion, collective efficacy, and satisfaction with team performance were collected at three timepoints (start of season, midseason, end of season). Qualitative data were concurrently gathered through semi-structured interviews with coaches (n = 6) and focus groups with athletes (n = 23) at the second and third timepoints. Results from the quantitative analyses showed mixed effects: three teams demonstrated improvements in several variables, while two teams experienced limited or negative changes. The qualitative strand identified three themes regarding participants’ experiences of the intervention: (i) intervention engagement drivers and inhibitors; (ii) forging and sustaining optimal relationships; and (iii) leadership as a catalyst (and/or barrier) for change. Taken together, these findings provide insight into the conditions that may facilitate or hinder teamwork training in sport and offer practical guidance for the design and delivery of future interventions.