“Forceful links make strong chains”–When using on-pitch challenges to develop team resilience in elite football

Abstract

In this study, we explore the process of handling challenges and support in a professional Norwegian football team to develop team resilience during daily practice. We followed players and coaches during a season in the top league. The aim was to study how group structures influence coordinated activities and perceived support to players in different roles handling challenging situations, while developing team resilience in professional football. The design of the study is qualitative. Data were constructed through semi-structural interviews with coaches, players, and a leadership group within the team during and after the season. Additional information was provided by an observational log and report from coaching staff meetings. The main finding is that small team units organised as dyadic relations are beneficial to facilitate the balance of challenge and support actions to handle adverse events. However, the use of small dyadic groups also provided the coaching team with challenges on how to orchestrate individual variation with respect to developing team resilience. To facilitate support for all players in various challenging situations became a work in progress during the whole season. There is a need to further explore the use of small groups and coordinative support to develop team resilience, both in professional football and other elite sport contexts.