In the June issue of Psychology Today magazine, an article focused on the correlation between touch and success in sports, particularly in NBA basketball.
According to the article, “touch enhances cooperation and reduces anxiety.” And based on new research from collaborators at UC-Berkeley, NBA teams that touched more cooperated more, which helped them play better during the season.
In the 2008-2009 NBA season, the scientists counted celebratory contact such as fist bumps and head slaps among all 30 teams. In case you’re interested, the two touchiest teams were the Lakers and the Celtics, and the touchiest player was Celtics forward Kevin Garnett!
The scientists concluded that “touchier” teams – and this includes everything from pats on the bootie to high-fives – are also more likely to win. Of course, one could argue that the reverse is true: more successful teams touch more because they are already successful and eager to celebrate. Hmmmm….
How could this research translate to other areas of life? The scientists also note that NBA players have developed their own “touch communication,” that obviously wouldn’t work in many other scenarios such as the workplace or school. But what about the NFL? If ever there were a sport where players touched and interacted, it is football! Do you think football players have their own language that builds intimacy and drives performance? Are there certain teams that seem to hug and pat and slap just a little bit more? Are they the best of the best?
Football 101 Women would love to hear your thoughts!
