The dynamics involved in same-sex dyadic sport teams

The purpose of this study was to identify and explain the dynamics involved in dyadic sport teams, as well as to differentiate dyads from larger teams. Semi-structured individual interviews consisting of open-ended questions were conducted with seven beach volleyball athletes. Cote', Salmela, and Russell's (1995) guidelines were used to inductively analyze and interpret the qualitative data. The results of the analysis revealed three higher-order categories concerning the dyadic relationship: (a) the sport environment, which included elements related to beach volleyball and an athletes' participation in it, the challenges a partnership sport presented, as well as comparisons between partnerships and other sports, (b) dyad structure and composition, which included elements that allowed a dyad to function and the importance of creating a sense of balance in the partnership, and (c) the dyadic interaction process, which focused on developing communication and cohesion in the partnership, and working towards an ideal state where interaction was efficient and effective, culminating in peak performance and a meaningful relationship. The results of the study have advanced the knowledge of group dynamics by differentiating the dyad from larger teams