The role of a team captain will depend on what sport they play, but the most important influence on team captains is their coach. Coaches establish what leadership means for a team, and they guide team captains in becoming effective leaders themselves.
Learn how to identify, train, and support team captains to become effective leaders—on and off the field.
What Is the Role of a Captain in a Team
At their best, captains positively influence team culture, motivate teammates, and set an example for those around them. Captains should fulfill these key responsibilities for their teams.
Support the Coach
Captains and coaches should be on the same team—both literally and philosophically. It is a captain’s responsibility to support a coach’s vision for the team.
Communicate Well
Strong communication is the mark of an effective leader, whether on sports teams or elsewhere. Team captains must use communication skills to act as a liaison between coaches and players and, in some sports, communicate with officials during a game.
Build Team Culture
Captains facilitate cohesion on teams by building team culture. They embody team values, such as work ethic, accountability, and dedication. They are also responsible for creating and maintaining relationships among team members. The stronger team bonds are, the easier it becomes for players to work together.
Lead by Example
Leadership is not just talk. The best way for team captains to shape their team and support their fellow players is to set an example. Captains should act the way they want the whole team to act. This may include sportsmanship attitudes, discipline, and game-day composure.
How to Develop Leadership Skills in Team Captains
Working with team captains takes an extra layer of dedication and thoughtfulness. You are not just teaching them how to play a sport; you are developing the next generation of leaders. Follow these steps as you choose and train captains.
Select Coachable Leaders
Your star player might not be your best team captain. While athletic skills and sports knowledge are important for captains, you will want to look deeper to find truly coachable leaders. Take into consideration a player’s attitude, accountability, emotional intelligence, and ability to inspire teammates. Select a captain that you trust to guide the team to greatness.
Set Clear Expectations
Once you have selected a team captain, part of training them is giving them clear expectations. What do you want them to accomplish, and what methods do you want them to use? It may help to sit down with your captain and set team goals together.
Give Real Responsibilities
Leaders are not made on the sidelines. They are only able to reach their potential when given real responsibilities. Allow your team captains to take on certain tasks, such as leading warm-ups or delivering pre-game talks. As they develop leadership skills, offer them more opportunities to put those skills to work.
Offer Ongoing Mentorship
Continue coaching your captain as the season progresses. Coach them in conflict resolution and communication as issues arise on the team. Create a culture where they can rely on you for advice and guidance. You may establish an open-door policy or regular meeting times when they can reach out for extra support.
gearUP Your Team in Quality Uniforms
Continue to support your captains—and the rest of your team—with quality uniforms. The gearUP process makes it simple to customize and order apparel:
- Select uniform options
- Approve custom designs
- Share your team shop
- Outfit players in top brands
Contact a gearUP representative today to get started, or read reviews from coaches who love gearUP.
