Group Dynamics in Sport

Mark Eys, M. Blair Evans, Alex Benson

• Publisher: Human Kinetics
• Year: 2026
• eBook ISBN: 9781718260078
• Edition: 5
• Topic: Psychology
• Subtopic: Social Psychology
• Index: Psychology

Introduce students to the study of sport group dynamics.

Group Dynamics in Sport, Fifth Edition, provides readers with the most current theories of group dynamics in sport teams as well as practical application. In this updated edition, each chapter identifies and discusses key theoretical concepts of group dynamics and offers extensive and relevant examples that reinforce the principles covered. Topics include

• the nature, study, and development of groups;
• foundational elements of a group, including member attributes and the group's environment;
• structural elements, including group positions, roles, norms, and status; and
• group processes and emergent states such as leadership, communication, cohesion, collective efficacy, and team building.

Authors Mark Eys, M. Blair Evans, and Alex Benson stress the theoretical significance of studying groups to gain a richer understanding of human nature. They also highlight important applications to real life, linking concepts to elite sport examples and practical strategies to enhance groups.

As a comprehensive and formative text for sport group dynamics, Group Dynamics in Sport, Fifth Edition, is an invaluable introductory resource for undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, and practitioners interested in better understanding how groups work both on and off the sport field.

Formerly published in 2020 by FiT Publishing.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Special Dedication
• Table of Contents
• Acknowledgments
• Preface
• Section 1: Introduction
• Section 2: Foundations of Groups in Sport
• Section 3: Group Structure
• Section 4: Group Processes and Emergent States
• References
• Index
• About the Authors