One great tool coaches can use to help players reach a higher level is to provide evaluation sheets for players to rate themselves as teammates. Youth players can often quickly identify who on their team “isn’t a team player” or “is unsportsmanlike,” but can they identify when they are not living up to the standards they set forth for someone else?
Evaluating how they are as a teammate can be beneficial in identifying their own weaknesses and improving them. It can also help them to be more empathetic towards everyone else.
Because being a good teammate does not need to relate to successful skill work, questions that relate to skill work should remain off. That way, the player understands that even the weakest player on the team can be the best teammate.
It is a good idea to start with a definition of a good teammate. If coaches have time, players can come up with their own definition of a good teammate during a team meeting or discussion. Hoop Thoughts listed a good team player as someone who, "puts others ahead of her/his own agenda, possesses the confidence to serve, initiatives service to others, is not position-conscious, and serves out of love."
After the definition at the top of the page, the following questions and answer choices can be used below it. Have your players pretend they are another player on the team, rating their self:
- Are you reliable? Can you be trusted to show up to practice? Can you be trusted to attend every game? Do you practice on your own daily?
1 All of the time, 2 Most of the time, 3 Some of the time, 4 Rarely ever, 5 Never
- Do you communicate constructively? Do you speak in a manner that never hurts anyone on your team?
1 All of the time, 2 Most of the time, 3 Some of the time, 4 Rarely ever, 5 Never
- Are you a good listener?
1 All of the time, 2 Most of the time, 3 Some of the time, 4 Rarely ever, 5 Never
- Do you share ideas with your teammates? If there is a good instructor that you go to, do you tell your teammates about him/her? If you can think of a way a teammate can improve, do you share it?
1 All of the time, 2 Most of the time, 3 Some of the time, 4 Rarely ever, 5 Never
- Can you be trusted? Can your teammates confide in you without worrying about who you might speak to?
1 All of the time, 2 Most of the time, 3 Some of the time, 4 Rarely ever, 5 Never
- Do you help out when it is not required? Do you throw out empty bottles that aren’t yours without complaining? Do you help to collect up the equipment?
1 All of the time, 2 Most of the time, 3 Some of the time, 4 Rarely ever, 5 Never
- Do you work hard? Are you hustling to finish first? Can your teammates tell that you are doing your best so that the team will not have to condition more because of you? Do you play hard the whole game, without quitting?
1 All of the time, 2 Most of the time, 3 Some of the time, 4 Rarely ever, 5 Never
- Do you have a positive attitude all the time? Do you keep a smile on your face even when things are not going your way?
1 All of the time, 2 Most of the time, 3 Some of the time, 4 Rarely ever, 5 Never
- Do you show commitment to the team? Do you have good attendance? Do you choose this team over other teams?
1 All of the time, 2 Most of the time, 3 Some of the time, 4 Rarely ever, 5 Never
- Are you respectful of your teammates? Do you ask for permission to use anything of theirs? Do you speak positively about them?
1 All of the time, 2 Most of the time, 3 Some of the time, 4 Rarely ever, 5 Never
- Do you follow the coach’s instructions? Do you do what is told of you, even if you disagree?
1 All of the time, 2 Most of the time, 3 Some of the time, 4 Rarely ever, 5 Never
- Are you a problem solver? If your teammates are having a dispute, can they go to you for help?
1 All of the time, 2 Most of the time, 3 Some of the time, 4 Rarely ever, 5 Never
- Do you share the spotlight with others on your team? Do you give credit to your teammates when they do a good job?
1 All of the time, 2 Most of the time, 3 Some of the time, 4 Rarely ever, 5 Never
- Do you play as a team player, and not just for yourself?
1 All of the time, 2 Most of the time, 3 Some of the time, 4 Rarely ever, 5 Never
- Do you bring teammates up when they are down? Do you make them feel better with positive words or encouragement? Do you stay positive when a teammate makes a mistake?
1 All of the time, 2 Most of the time, 3 Some of the time, 4 Rarely ever, 5 Never
- Are you a team leader?
1 All of the time, 2 Most of the time, 3 Some of the time, 4 Rarely ever, 5 Never
- Do you have confidence in all your teammates?
1 All of the time, 2 Most of the time, 3 Some of the time, 4 Rarely ever, 5 Never
This type of evaluation can help players to self-reflect and improve. It can be changed to fit the needs of the player, team, and sport.
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