Defining roles for team members is important for several reasons: it allows players to focus on their specific contributions, reduces confusion over responsibilities, and helps utilize each person's strengths. However, defining roles does not guarantee improved performance - the roles must suit each individual's abilities, and simply assigning roles does not develop skills. Coaches must also consider how roles may negatively impact team dynamics if not implemented carefully.

1. Approaches
Workbook
Defining Roles - Teacher Answers

2. 1) Why is it importantthat teams defineroles
for their players?
Various reasons including:
• Team members become clear on how they can
contribute to the team and the importance of
their contribution
• Reduces likelihood of confusion and players
trying to carry out the same role as others.
• Players can focus and specialize within a position
• Allows teams to make best use of the strengths
that players have and can hide weaknesses.

3. 2) In what wayswill definingroles help to
developthe dynamicof a team?
• All team members are clear what is expected of them during a
performance. This ensures that each player knows exactly
what to do in order to contribute effectively to the team.
• Prevents confusion during a performance where teammates
are getting in each others way through trying to carry out the
same function for the team. This ensure that players are best
able to work to gather to achieve success
• During the team meeting communication skills and
relationships can be developed as players discuss their feeling
about each others strengths and weaknesses. Highlighting
player strengths in particular can develop positive
relationships

4. 3) Why is it importantthat everybodyis
awareof each playersrole?
• Ensures that everybody in the team knows what
each player should be doing to contribute to the
team. This may prevent arguments if another player
feels that a player should be contributing in a way
other than what they have been told to do.
• As everyone knows each others role then
appropriate feedback can be given to each player
during the performance in order to let them know
what they are doing well and what they need to do
better in order to fully fulfill their role.

5. 4) Howdoesdefiningroleshelpplayers/teams
preparemoreeffectivelyforaperformance?
• In training players can spend more time developing the skills
that are most relevant to the position they play in. This will
ensure that the skills needed most to carry out the role
successfully are most developed.
• Players can focus on learning particular tactics associated with
their chosen role. By developing this knowledge and become
an expert in how to perform their role well they will become
very good at carrying out their function within the team.
• As an athlete knows exactly what is expected of them they can
mentally prepare to carry out the role that they have been
given.

6. 5)Whatmighthappenifaplayerisgiventoomuch
informationregardinghowtocarryouttheirrole?
• Too much information may result in confusion that
could result in aspects of a role not being carried
out. This could negatively impact on the teams
attack or defence.
• Being too specific or precise with a players role may
make the performer feel like they are not able to
adapt to the different situations that occur during a
game
• Being too specific or precise with a players role may
make the performer feel like they are not able to
adapt to the different situations that occur during a
game.

7. 6) In what waysmight definingroles havea
negativeimpacton team dynamic?
• Some players may feel restricted due to the role they
have been given. This may lead to frustration.
• Player in the team may not agree and be happy with
the role they are given within the team. Arguments
and jealousy might be caused if players are not given
the role they want, particularly if the player if they
feel they are a stronger than the player given that
role.
• During the team meeting highlighting player
weaknesses might result in the player loosing
confidence and not being valued

8. 7)Definingroleswithinateamdoesnotnecessarily
guaranteeimprovedperformance. Why?
• By simply defining a role it does not mean that the player
is capable of carrying it out effectively. Using this
approach to develop performance does not, by itself,
result in any actual improvement of a players ability.
• The roles given to players need to suit their skills and
attributes. If they don’t this role may not be carried out
effectively which may result in the team not performing
well.
• Player may be given roles not because they have the
qualities required but because there is no one else for
the role