Improving your Oztag with Tim #4 #sportvariations #Oztag #TagRugby #attitude #chemistry

Yesterday was my weekly Oztag nights that I play in the Homebush competition. It became that attitude still so important just like any other sport. We versed a team that, skill wise, was worse than our team however the score was very tight as we only won by one point. Our team chemistry was also a huge contributing factor that lead to making the game so much closer than it should've been.  These are just some tips that would help build more team chemistry and keep team spirits high.

Positive communication

Communication is absolute crucial in any team sport, so there is no difference when it comes to Oztag. However people receive criticism in different ways so it is important to cater for your teammates. Sometimes communication is simply not enough, then you need to be using positive communication. This is simply encouragement. When mistakes are made, there needs to be words of encouragement otherwise teammates can play a lot worse than their actual potential. Sport in general is largely mental so even though someone may be very capable physically, if their mental game is weak most likely when difficult situations arise, they will not perform well. 

Respect the referee

Also listening and respecting the referee's decisions are very important. There needs to be an understanding that the referee is also human and will make mistakes. In saying that the referee also has feelings and if they feel like being very strict there really is nothing that players can do but just continue and play the game. If you complain to the referee, they may become more strict on your team which is not good if you want the win. So respect the referee.

Have a game plan (be specific)

Having a game plan before every game is important. I know it seems obvious because generally the plan is to win and score. But this goal needs to be more specific such as how will we score, what are some areas of the game are we weak in. Specific goals would include, making sure we are talking in defense, shutting down their key players and listening to key playmakers. These goals are more like reminders for your teammates and also having these reminders before the game also help to get your teammates in the right mindset and ready to play.

When I played my game on Monday night, our team did not have a game plan and so we were very unorganized and it seemed as though people in our team just didn't feel like playing that night. This then leads to my next point.

Listen to your playmakers and always be ready

Listening to your captain or playmakers throughout the game is very important. They are generally the most experienced and have the best vision in the game meaning that generally when they direct the team in one direction it is for the best for the team. However like most sports very little goes perfectly to the game plan and every one makes mistakes. The ball may get dropped or someone may not be in position, there are so many things. Which means that when you play the game, it is important to be able to adapt to the many different situations that will arise during the game. Taking your own initiative is important and can be crucial for your teams success on the field.

By listening to your play makers and captain team chemistry can be build team chemistry because everyone on the field is listening to one person. It's a little like driving a car, there is one driver in a car, imagine if everyone in the car wanted to drive at the same time...the car wouldn't go anywhere or they would crash. There needs to be a leader to help direct the team.

In the end just enjoying the game is the most important aspect that will help in attitude and team chemistry. If you are enjoying and having fun all these tips that I have noted will come naturally.