Team sport
There is no question that being part of a sports team helps children and adolescents develop a sense of belonging, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. Team athletes are also able to learn how to work together and put their differences aside for the benefit of the group—a skill they will use in school and at work later on in life. In addition, regular physical activity releases endorphins that help improve mood and reduce stress levels.
Being a part of a team also teaches youngsters how to deal with success and failure. It’s a valuable life lesson that can help them to overcome setbacks and be resilient in the face of adversity. The positive effects of team sports have even been shown to extend into the classroom, where student-athletes tend to have higher GPAs than non-athletes.
In the case of a team sport, the members share common goals and have clear expectations about performance. They recognize that they should show up to practice and participate fully in all sessions, as well as perform their best during competitions. This sense of groupness is an important component of team sport that makes it different from other types of groups.
There are many different sports that have teams, including rowing eights, four-man bobsled and sprint relay races. Some team events are more obvious than others, such as synchronized swimming and doubles tennis, where two players collaborate on a specific routine or strategy.