Team sport is a competitive activity where participants form into groups and work together to achieve objectives that are impossible or impractical to reach as individual players. Examples include synchronized swimming and doubles tennis. Team sports also exist in activities where individuals compete against each other but without an opposing team, such as mountain climbing and racing in relay events.
Team sports can help children learn how to work with others and be unselfish, even when the outcome doesn’t benefit them directly. As they collaborate to achieve a shared goal, kids develop communication skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Depending on the sport, team members may also learn how to deal with failure. Many studies have shown that team sports promote good sportsmanship and allow kids to understand the dynamics of winning and losing in a supportive environment. They can grasp that the burden of loss is felt by all teammates, which can lessen the blow and make winning seem more valuable, and they learn to appreciate the value of each teammate’s abilities and how these contribute to a common goal.
Additionally, kids who play team sports can develop lifelong friendships that will be useful to them in school, the workforce and beyond. The commitment and discipline required to practice regularly, complete homework and meet other obligations will also help them become more responsible and independent. They’ll know the importance of time management and prioritize their goals accordingly, as well as how to be a positive influence on their peers.