Ben Darwin: The Science of Team Cohesion

Coaching Culture with Ben Herring

Ben Darwin, former Wallaby prop turned analytics expert, reveals how his company Gainline Analytics is revolutionizing our understanding of team performance through the measurement of cohesion. This eye-opening conversation challenges conventional wisdom about team building, showing that cohesion (shared understanding between players) is more crucial to success than many traditional metrics.
Darwin breaks down the difference between culture (normative behaviors within a team) and cohesion (the actual on-field connections). Through analysis of 80,000+ games, he demonstrates how cohesion directly correlates with winning percentages across different sports. The numbers are striking - teams making frequent lineup changes after losses actually win fewer subsequent games than teams maintaining consistency through struggles.
Most fascinating is the revelation that different positions require different timelines for cohesion development. Inside backs and playmaking positions need extensive shared experience to excel, while wingers can adapt more quickly. This explains why championship teams often feature long-established combinations in key decision-making roles.
The implications for coaching are profound. Darwin's research shows it takes approximately 2.8 seasons for transferred players to reach peak performance in new environments. His data also reveals how the most successful teams in world rugby built their championship-winning cohesion through consistent selection, shared domestic competition experience, or stable national team development.
Whether you're coaching at elite or grassroots level, this conversation offers invaluable insights into the patience required for true team building. As Darwin eloquently puts it: "Don't panic, it's organic." The teams that understand this principle and resist short-term fixes are those that ultimately build sustainable success. After listening, you'll never view team selection or development the same way again.

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Chapters

1. Culture vs. Cohesion: Understanding the Difference (00:00:00)

2. Measuring Team Connections and Combinations (00:09:45)

3. How Stability Creates Success (00:18:05)

4. The Three Ways to Win a World Cup (00:28:40)

5. Short-termism: The Enemy of Success (00:38:15)

6. Why Coaches Can't Beat the Numbers (00:50:00)

7. Key Takeaways: Don't Panic, It's Organic (01:03:45)