The Power of Groups in Youth Sport

By: Mark A. Eys and Mark W. Bruner and Luc J. Martin

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Synopsis: Focused on understanding the key underlying group processes that contribute to youth sport experiences, The Power of Groups in Youth Sport provides an innovative and expansive overview of the research in group dynamics within youth sports. The first section of the book examines topics relating to forming and structuring groups, including team selection, athlete socialization, normative expectations, roles, coach and athlete leadership, social identity, and more. The second section reviews concepts associated with group functioning and management, such as cohesion, subgroups, motivational climate, teamwork, and team building. This book concludes with a series of chapters focused on specific developmental considerations in youth sports that are often overlooked in group dynamics research including parental involvement, bullying and hazing, mental health, ,and disability and accessibility.Synthesizes the research of group dynamics within the context of youth sportHighlights how groups form and functionDiscusses the role of parents and peers on youth sport experiences and developmentSuggests ways to advance the field of group dynamics in youth sports