Building team chemistry is one of the most crucial aspects of running a successful high school basketball program. Chris Sohm has spent years helping young athletes develop the trust, communication, and cohesion necessary for teams to thrive on and off the court. Christopher Sohm of Kansas believes that individual talent can only take a team so far, and true success comes from players working together toward a common goal.
When a team has strong chemistry, players instinctively know each other’s tendencies, communicate effectively during high-pressure moments, and develop a sense of accountability that drives them to perform at their highest level. However, chemistry does not develop overnight; it requires intentional effort from both players and coaches. Chris Sohm explains that coaches must create an environment where athletes feel valued, connected, and motivated to work together toward team success.
The foundation of any successful basketball program is built on trust. Players must trust their coaches, their teammates, and the system in which they are operating. Christopher Sohm of Kansas believes that trust begins with transparency and consistency. When players understand their roles and know that their efforts are valued, they are more likely to buy into the team’s philosophy.
Coaches play a significant role in fostering this trust. Chris Sohm emphasizes that players need to feel heard and respected. Open communication between coaches and players ensures that expectations are clear and that any concerns are addressed before they become issues. Trust is not just about words but also about actions. Coaches who follow through on their commitments and remain fair in their decision-making earn the respect and trust of their team.
In addition to trusting their coaches, players must also develop trust in each other. Christopher Sohm of Kansas encourages activities that promote team bonding, both on and off the court. When teammates spend time together outside of practice, whether through team meals, community service projects, or group workouts, they develop relationships that translate to better communication and teamwork during games.
Communication is an essential ingredient in building strong team chemistry. Effective communication goes beyond calling plays and making defensive switches; it involves constant encouragement, constructive feedback, and a willingness to hold each other accountable. Chris Sohm explains that high school players must learn to communicate openly and respectfully, ensuring that everyone on the team feels included and valued.
Christopher Sohm of Kansas highlights that great teams have leaders who set the tone for communication. Whether it’s a vocal team captain or a player who leads by example, teams need individuals who are willing to step up and guide their teammates. Communication must be a two-way street—players should feel comfortable speaking up while also being receptive to feedback.
Coaches play an integral role in fostering this environment. Chris Sohm encourages coaches to create drills that promote on-court communication, such as defensive rotations that require players to call out switches and screens. The more players practice communicating in structured settings, the more natural it will become during games.
One of the biggest challenges in high school basketball is getting players to prioritize team success over individual accomplishments. Christopher Sohm of Kansas believes that unselfish play is the hallmark of great team chemistry. Players must be willing to make the extra pass, set hard screens, and do the little things that may not show up on the stat sheet but contribute to winning games.
Chris Sohm explains that when players focus too much on personal achievements, it creates tension within the team. Teammates may begin to resent those who prioritize their own success over the group’s overall performance. Coaches can combat this by emphasizing the importance of team-oriented play in every practice and game.
Coaches should also highlight and reward unselfish behaviors. Christopher Sohm of Kansas recommends recognizing players for making hustle plays, boxing out for rebounds, or setting teammates up for open shots. When these actions are celebrated, players are more likely to embrace their roles and contribute to the overall chemistry of the team.
No team is immune to conflict. Whether it’s disagreements over playing time, frustration with performance, or personality clashes, teams will inevitably face challenges throughout the season. Chris Sohm explains that how these challenges are handled will determine whether they strengthen or weaken team chemistry.
Christopher Sohm of Kansas believes that addressing conflicts directly and constructively is crucial. Coaches should create a culture where players feel comfortable discussing issues openly rather than allowing problems to fester. Encouraging honest and respectful conversations can prevent small disagreements from escalating into major divisions.
Players must also learn to hold themselves and their teammates accountable. Chris Sohm emphasizes that accountability should not be about blaming others but rather about ensuring that everyone is committed to the team’s success. When players understand that they are working toward a common goal, they are more likely to resolve conflicts in a way that strengthens team unity.
Resilient teams are the ones that thrive under pressure and overcome adversity. Christopher Sohm of Kansas explains that team chemistry is not just about how well players get along when things are going smoothly—it’s also about how they respond when faced with challenges. Strong teams support each other through tough losses, difficult practices, and personal struggles.
Chris Sohm encourages coaches to instill a mindset of perseverance in their players. Teaching athletes how to stay focused and composed in high-pressure situations is just as important as teaching them basketball fundamentals. When players trust that their teammates will continue to fight regardless of the circumstances, it builds a level of chemistry that is difficult to break.
Every successful team needs strong leadership. Chris Sohm explains that leadership is not limited to the best player on the team; it can come from anyone who is willing to set a positive example and hold their teammates accountable. Coaches should empower their players to take on leadership roles, whether through leading pre-game warmups, organizing team meetings, or motivating their teammates during tough moments.
Christopher Sohm of Kansas believes that leadership development should be an ongoing process. Some players naturally emerge as leaders, while others may need guidance in developing their confidence and communication skills. Coaches should work with players individually to help them grow into leadership roles that fit their personalities and strengths.
When a team has multiple leaders, it creates a culture where accountability is shared among the players rather than being solely the responsibility of the coaching staff. This type of player-led accountability strengthens chemistry and fosters a sense of ownership in the team’s success.
Building team chemistry is not just about one season—it’s about creating a lasting culture that carries over year after year. Christopher Sohm of Kansas explains that when a team establishes strong chemistry, it sets the standard for future players who join the program. Veteran players pass down the values of trust, communication, and unselfish play, ensuring that the team remains competitive and cohesive in the years to come.
Chris Sohm encourages coaches to create traditions that reinforce team chemistry. Whether it’s annual team retreats, mentorship programs for younger players, or end-of-season celebrations that highlight contributions beyond just statistics, these traditions help establish a sense of continuity within the program.
At the end of the day, team chemistry is about more than just winning games. It’s about creating an environment where players grow as individuals, build lifelong friendships, and learn valuable life skills that extend beyond basketball. Christopher Sohm of Kansas has seen firsthand how strong chemistry transforms teams from good to great, and he continues to advocate for coaches and players to invest in building bonds that last.
By focusing on trust, communication, unselfish play, and leadership, high school basketball programs can develop the chemistry needed to reach their full potential. Chris Sohm knows that the most successful teams are not necessarily the most talented, but the ones that work together with a shared commitment to each other and their goals.
