High Fives – Improve Team Chemistry, Energy, and Excitement

A very simple way for you to improve your team’s chemistry, team energy, and just have more fun is to encourage more high fives, chest bumps, fist bumps, and so on.

I read somewhere that NBA teams whose players had the most physical contact during games early in the season were the most successful down the stretch.

I don’t know if the studies are legitimate but it makes sense.  And seems to be very positive for our youth teams.

Steve Nash, arguably the best point guard to play in the NBA was notorious for lots of high fives!

How to Encourage More High Fives and Fist Bumps

Here are a few ideas that work for us…

1. When it’s time for a drink say…. “2 chest bumps and get a drink!”.
2. When it’s time for a break say… “give all the coaches a high five and take a break”.
3. During practice huddles say… “bring it in!  10 high fives and then eyes on me.”
4. Give out lots of high fives yourself.  It can be just because a player is close by or when players give solid effort during drills.
5. Remind players to celebrate success.  They can even celebrate after a drill simply because they worked hard.
6. Encourage high fives during games… when players come out and go in.

Players Love This Stuff

I’ll tell you, our players (especially the young ones) absolutely love it when I say…. “2 chest bumps and get a drink!”  Smiles are all over and it just brings positive energy to your practice.

Try it out and see how it works.

Suggestion.  Add little reminders to your practice plans (ex: drink break and chest bumps).  Eventually you’re players will start doing it on their own.  But you need to lead by example and encourage it.