Why a quick check-in can be incredibly valuable for your team
(Translated into English by Google. The text is based on my blog on https://peter4volleyball.wordpress.com/2025/07/15/trainer-coach-in-de-eerste-klasse-deel-2/ )
Photo of my championship team of 2024/2025
Some teams are already deeply engaged in team-building and forging strong unity, and honestly, I'm a little envious! At the same time, I realize that my adult team at VC058 (Leeuwarden, The Netherlands), isn't a semi-professional team and neither is my the flagship of the club with all extra practice hours, etc. We'll need to foster "team unity" in a different way. It's something that stayed with me since my ciach efucation (level 3). Let me give you a peek into how I approach this.
The First Practice of the Season
Fast forward to the last week of August 2025. For most clubs and teams in my region, it's the first practice of the new season. Many players will be in new team compositions. Everyone's a bit cautious, feeling things out. And then the coach starts their pre-practice talk like this:
"Okay, team, listen up! Before we dive into practice, I want to introduce something new."
"We're here to play volleyball and get better, of course, but we're also a team. And in a team, it's important that we get to know and understand each other a bit. Sometimes you have a great day, sometimes a less great one, and that's perfectly fine."
"That's why, from now on, we're going to do a short check-in question at the beginning of each practice. This is a moment for us to pause and reflect on how we're feeling or what's going on. It's really simple, and everyone can share what they want. There's no right or wrong answer, and we'll always listen respectfully to each other."
"Today's question is: 'What's one thing you're looking forward to during practice today, or what's your energy level on a scale of 1 to 10?'"
"I'll start. I'm really looking forward to training with you all again. My energy level is an 8; I'm excited!"
Why Does the Coach Ask a Quick Question Before Practice?
The simple answer: to make their team stronger! Asking a check-in question before each practice helps strengthen the bond between team members. Here's how it works:
Everyone Feels Safe to Express Themselves
When players feel safe sharing something personal – their internal struggles, joys, challenges, or hobbies – you create a secure atmosphere. They dare to be vulnerable without fear of judgment. That's super important for a team that wants to grow.
You Understand Each Other Better
By talking about how they feel (physically or mentally), school/work, or hobbies, players get to know each other better. They see the other person as a complete individual, not just someone on the court. This leads to more empathy. If you know a teammate is stressed about an exam, you understand why they might be a bit less focused. This prevents irritation.
It Builds Trust
Showing vulnerability builds trust. When someone shares something personal and it's accepted, trust within the team grows. This works both ways: if one person is open, it encourages others. You carry this trust onto the court, where players are quicker to trust each other's decisions and effort.
Better Communication
Regular check-ins foster open communication, even beyond volleyball. It becomes normal to talk about feelings and experiences. As a result, players also find it easier to discuss problems on the court. This resolves misunderstandings more quickly and leads to better collaboration.
Everyone Feels Like They Belong
When players feel seen and heard for who they are, they feel more connected to the team. They feel valued, not just for their performance. This "we" feeling makes everyone more invested in the team's success.
You Spot Problems Earlier
These check-in questions can act as an early warning system. If a player is often stressed by school/work or is tired, you and the team can help sooner, before it affects their performance.
You Help Each Other
When players know what's going on with their teammates, they can offer better support. That could be an encouraging word, concrete help, or simply listening. This active support truly makes the team a unit.
In short, with check-in questions, you transform a group of individuals into a tight-knit unit that wants to support each other. Check-in questions help break down barriers, foster genuine understanding, and build the trust needed for both great performance and positive relationships.
What Topics Can You Ask About?
Think about expectations for practice or games, (mental) challenges, highs or lows of the day, and players' energy levels. Here are examples of questions ideal for a quick round of answers before practice or at the start of a team meeting.
"What's one thing you're grateful for today, on or off the court?" (Focus on positivity and personal connection.)
"Share one small goal you have for practice today." (Encourages individual focus within a team context.)
"Describe in one word how you're feeling right now." (Simple, allows for a quick emotional check-in.)
"What challenge did you overcome this week, and how did you do it?" (Promotes resilience and problem-solving, allowing others to learn.)
"What are you most looking forward to for our next game/competition?" (Builds anticipation and collective focus.)
What Should You Keep in Mind?
Consistent Time: Do the check-in at a fixed time every time (e.g., before or after practice/game).
Start Small: To get players used to answering check-in questions, you can start in groups of three. Then, gradually expand to doing the check-in as a full team.
Short & Sweet: Keep the check-in brief. A few words per person is often enough.
Vary the Questions: Use a different question each time to keep it interesting.
Lead by Example: Always start by answering yourself.
Create Safety: State that there are no "right" or "wrong" answers. Emphasize that no one has to share everything, only what they feel comfortable sharing.
Don't Force Anyone: Someone can choose not to answer the question. That's okay. Respect it if someone doesn't want to share something.
Concise: Ask everyone to keep their answers short and concise so everyone gets a turn.
Listen Well and Don't Judge: Make players feel like you're truly listening.
No Discussion or Interrogation: The check-in is a moment to share and listen, not to discuss or fire questions at the person answering. A single clarifying question is fine, of course. Avoid "why" questions, as these often elicit a defensive posture.
Positive Closing: Always end the check-in with a positive remark.
This is how you turn the check-in into a valuable moment for your team – a moment that contributes to trust among team members, thereby boosting your team unity.
Give it a try in the 2025/2026 season and let me know what kind of questions you'll be using!