Development of Strategies to Improve Team Cohesion in a Basketball Team Based on Team Trust Analysis

Qinghan Ji; Nopporn  Tasnaina; Preecha  Punpeng

doi:10.60027/iarj.2026.e293912

Authors

Qinghan Ji Bangkokthonburi University, Thailand https://orcid.org/0009-0009-8903-5544
Nopporn Tasnaina Bangkokthonburi University, Thailand https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6086-0657
Preecha Punpeng Bangkokthonburi University, Thailand https://orcid.org/0009-0002-1230-5402

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.60027/iarj.2026.e293912

Keywords:

Team Trust, Training Strategy, Team Cohesion, Basketball Players

Abstract

Background and Aims: This study aimed to analyze the correlation between basketball players’ team trust and team cohesion and to develop targeted training strategies to strengthen cohesion based on trust analysis. The objectives included identifying the dimensions of team trust, testing their impact on cohesion, and proposing practical strategies to improve basketball team performance.

Methodology: The study investigated 320 male and female basketball players aged 18–22 from five universities in Yunnan Province. A multi-step purposive sampling approach was used. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using multiple linear regression to test the predictive effect of trust on cohesion. Descriptive statistics, mean, standard deviation, and correlation tests were employed. In addition, two rounds of Delphi consultation with 17 experts and expert appraisal with 9 specialists were conducted to refine and validate the training strategies.

Results: The regression model showed that team trust significantly predicted team cohesion (β = 0.536, R² = 0.264, p < 0.001), indicating that 26.4% of the variance in cohesion could be explained by trust. Among the trust dimensions, competence-justice exerted a stronger effect than disposition-trustworthiness. While training strategies were effective overall, weaknesses were noted in attention maintenance and goal-setting practices. The Delphi process confirmed expert consensus on the key improvement areas. Rather than listing all 38 projects, six thematic aspects were emphasized: team management, cohesion enhancement, conflict resolution, member welfare, material support, and communication.

Conclusion: The study concludes that team trust is a critical driver of cohesion in basketball teams. Practical applications include encouraging coaches to design training programs that build competence-based trust, incorporate fair evaluation systems, and strengthen communication channels. For athletes, understanding team dynamics and cultivating trust can improve psychological security, reduce conflict, and enhance collective performance. These insights contribute both theoretically, by clarifying the trust–cohesion mechanism, and practically, by guiding coaches and educators in developing effective training strategies.

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