Regardless of the ages of your athletes, when traveling with your team you need to expect the unexpected. Prepare for the worst. Hope for the best. At all times, as much as coaches are watching OVER their players, coaches must also remember that they are being watched BY their players. Leadership, especially when facing adversity, will be expected of everybody - coaches and players alike. People are best measured when they are greatly tested. To teach your team to work in harmony with life's circumstances, there is nothing better than the challenges brought about by airports and flights. Many events happen beyond a team's control - in airports, as in sport. In order to build a strong team bond, it is important to face challenges in a unified and harmonious way.
Of equal importance is what takes place after trips. Coaches need to ask their players what they liked best, as well as what they learned. If players are younger, ask the oft-used 'apples and onions' question. This encourages players to reflect on their experiences. Unless prompted, some players may not naturally grasp the value or cost of an experience. Some may take the effort, planning, and preparation for granted. We want them to appreciate the experience. When players reflect, they are able to gain an appreciation for things that previously went unnoticed.
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