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Abstract

This study is relevant because there is a need to solve pedagogical problems to ensure the cohesion of the sports team during the preparation for competitions. The aim of the study is to determine the characteristics of thegroup structure and relationshipsbetweenthe players using the university volleyball team as an example. The study was conductedin 2017-2018 at the Department of Physical Education and Sport of the Ural State University of Economics (Ekaterinburg, Russia). The information base of the research consists of the survey data from 22 students from the volleyball team. The research methodology is based on the sociometric method of structural analysis of small groups. The group cohesion index is acceptable on the basis of the "work during training"criterion, but it is very low based on the other two criteria. This observationoccurs because the interpersonal communication withinthe team is not sufficiently strong. The team did not interfere with training aimed to improve cohesion. Currently, many team members fall out of the overall communication structure. According to the "work during training" criterion, only two members of the team had a zero status. However, according to the "free time" and "interaction during the game" criteria, there were 10 and 6 such people, respectively. It is hoped that along with the development of the team, more participants will be included in group communication and belong to the average subgroup of popularity.