“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.” Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan knows a little bit about winning championships. With six NBA titles under his belt and three Olympic gold medals as well, Jordan has seen the pinnacle of his profession enough to understand what it takes to get there.

In an interview, Michael Jordan spoke about how everyone on the team coming together (team cohesion) led to success in winning games and building mental toughness.

You can be the most talented player in the world and still fail if you lack team cohesion.

Also known as teamwork, team cohesion is an active process where players come together to achieve a common goal and remain united in pursuit of that objective.

Importance of Team Cohesion:

Team cohesion works like the glue that holds every player together and combines their efforts and strengths into one.

Basketball psychology plays a big role in learning about how to function as one unit and can teach you that working well with your team makes a significant difference in your overall performance.

Forming a team and working as a team are two different things.

You have to be willing to commit to your team and work out any differences you have to be cohesive.

When this happens, players are more motivated to play better because they feel valued as a teammate and feel like they belong. This boosts mental toughness and confidence significantly.

There is plenty of team building exercises that even elite players take part in to keep them mentally tough so that they can adjust to their role on the team with their teammates.

Of course, one primary reason why this is so important is that each individual has unique talents and strengths that the others may not. If all of their best qualities are contributed towards one common goal, then they are more likely to achieve that goal.

Players will start to see eye to eye and think alike when on the court. The mental game will start increasing, and this will make it easier for the players to make instantaneous decisions to help one another when in a tight situation on the court.

Effects of Lack of Cohesiveness:

Lack of team cohesiveness will lead to disagreements and unnecessary tension between teammate.

This will ultimately lead to a downgraded performance in your mental game because you will not be happy with the team. Therefore, there will be a decrease in morale and your will to give it your best effort will fade.

Being part of a team that you do not feel close to will only make you uncomfortable and hesitate to contribute your unique talent, ideas or learn new things from fellow teammates. There will be no sharing of intelligence or talent and no unity, so the team will not perform to their highest potential.

Another critical factor is that maintaining a positive attitude and environment is essential to keeping your mind healthy and staying mentally tough. Without the support of one another, strategies are less efficient because players are only concerned about their benefits.

A good team is effective in accomplishing a task because they are selfless and focus on the overall benefit of the team rather than only themselves. They will never hog the ball just to get attention from the crowd and will always play their best because they know their team is depending on them.

That is the reason championships are won by teams that are cohesive.

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