Topic: Teamwork - Many Hands, One Goal

Activity:

• Have one player to go move 8 baseballs from a pile behind 2B to a spot near the dugout.
• Time that person (who will probably have to make 2 trips).
• Then have the team do it together.
  • Point out that through cooperation they were able to make 1 trip
  • There may have been some teammates who didn’t need to carry a ball, but could have been encouraging.
  • There also might be some arguing over who was going to carry 2 balls, who 1, and who 0.
  • The team will function better if the team can put the goal of the team ahead of the desires of any one person.

Conversation Starters:

• Q: What does it mean to say "Many hands make light work?
  • A: Difficult tasks are much easier to complete when you have the help of others.
• Q: Not everyone was needed to grab a ball. What are some things that you could have done to help the team if you didn't carry one of them?
  • A: Cheer your teammates on. Help them come up with a plan to make them faster (tell each player which baseball to grab).
• Q: What can you do to help the team if you aren't the player at the plate? Or in the field chasing a ball?
  • A: Cheer for your teammates. Help communicate what is happening in the game.

Key Points:

• Think about a game. Not everyone can hit at one time. Everyone can't field the same ground ball. Everyone just needs to their part.
• Support your teammates from the bench or get into position to help on the field. Always be a part of the game.
• On the bench, your body might not be in the game, but your mind should always be in the game.
• If your teammate has to leave the game, are you ready to take over for them?

“The Ride Home”

• I loved watching you play.
• Why do you think our family is like a team?
• What are some things that we do to help each other succeed?
• What are some things that we (parents) do to help you?
• What are some things that you can do to help one of us?