Team Communication

Effective communication is what transforms a group of individuals into a team. In pétanque, where strategy shifts constantly and pressure runs high, how you communicate can determine the outcome.

The Big Idea

Communication is what transforms individuals into a team. Clear, specific, and supportive communication under pressure separates good teams from great ones.

The Communication Cycle

Good team communication follows a cycle:

Step	Action	Example
Observe	Notice what's happening	Terrain, positions, opponents
Share	Tell teammates what you see	"The ground slopes left there"
Discuss	Exchange perspectives	"Should I block or go for point?"
Decide	Agree on approach	"Let's try the high lob"
Execute	Do it with commitment	Full focus on the throw
Review	Learn from result	"That worked well" or "Next time..."

When to Communicate

Before Each End

• Assess the terrain together
• Discuss general approach
• Clarify who's throwing when
• Set the tone (calm, focused)

During the End

• Share observations ("The ground slopes left there")
• Coordinate strategy ("Should I try to block or go for the point?")
• Offer support ("Take your time, you've got this")
• Adjust plans as situation changes

Between Ends

• Quick debrief (what worked, what didn't)
• Reset mentally
• Prepare for next end
• Stay connected as a team

After the Game

• Full debrief (when appropriate)
• Acknowledge contributions
• Identify learnings
• Maintain relationship

How to Communicate

Be Clear and Specific

Vague: "Try to get close" Clear: "Aim for the left side of the jack, about 20cm out"

Vague: "Nice try" Clear: "Good weight, just a bit left of line"

Be Constructive

Focus on solutions, not problems:

Problem-focused: "You keep missing to the right" Solution-focused: "Maybe try aiming a bit more left to compensate?"

Be Supportive

Your tone matters as much as your words:

• Stay calm, even when frustrated
• Use encouraging body language
• Acknowledge effort, not just results
• Build up, don't tear down

Listen Actively

Communication is two-way:

• Give full attention when teammates speak
• Ask clarifying questions
• Acknowledge what you've heard
• Don't interrupt or dismiss

Communication Challenges

Disagreement on Strategy

Poor approach:

• Insist on your way
• Get defensive
• Give in resentfully
• Argue during the game

Better approach:

1. Share your perspective clearly
2. Listen to theirs fully
3. Discuss pros and cons briefly
4. Decide together (or defer to designated leader)
5. Commit fully to the decision
6. Review after the game

After a Teammate's Mistake

What they need:

• Quick acknowledgment
• Permission to move on
• Confidence that you still trust them
• Focus on the next throw

What to say:

• "No problem, next one"
• "Tough break, you've got the next"
• "We're still in this"
• Sometimes just a nod or pat is enough

What NOT to say:

• Nothing (silence feels like judgment)
• "It's okay" (can sound dismissive)
• Anything about what went wrong (not now)
• Visible frustration (body language counts)

When You Make a Mistake

What to do:

• Brief acknowledgment ("My bad")
• Don't over-apologize
• Don't make excuses
• Reset and focus on next throw
• Trust your teammates to support you

Tension in the Team

If tension builds during a game:

1. Recognize it's happening
2. Take a breath before responding
3. Focus on the game, not the conflict
4. Address it properly after the game
5. Don't let it affect your play

Non-Verbal Communication

Much of team communication is non-verbal:

Positive Signals

• Eye contact
• Nodding
• Thumbs up
• Relaxed posture
• Moving toward teammates
• Smiling (when appropriate)

Negative Signals (Avoid These)

• Eye rolling
• Turning away
• Crossed arms
• Sighing
• Shaking head
• Tense body language

Remember: Your teammates see everything. Your body language affects their confidence and performance.

Building Communication Habits

Practice Communication

Don't wait for competition to communicate:

• Practice strategic discussions in training
• Give each other feedback regularly
• Develop your team language
• Build comfort with honest conversation

Develop Team Signals

Some teams develop shorthand:

• Hand signals for strategy
• Code words for situations
• Quick phrases with shared meaning

Regular Check-ins

Outside of games:

• How are we working together?
• What's going well?
• What could be better?
• Any issues to address?

The Captain's Role

If your team has a designated leader:

Captain responsibilities:

• Final decision when team disagrees
• Setting the tone and energy
• Managing team dynamics
• Keeping focus during pressure

Everyone else:

• Share your perspective
• Support the decision once made
• Help maintain team energy
• Take responsibility for your role

Key Takeaway

Great teams talk to each other, not about each other. They communicate with honesty, respect, and a shared commitment to success.

Practice communication like you practice throwing. It's a skill that improves with attention.