A team sport is an activity where a group of individuals compete against each other in a competitive game that requires them to work together to achieve a common goal. Most popular team sports are those such as football, basketball, baseball, cricket and softball. However, other activities such as mountaineering or rowing can also be considered team sports where participants compete against each other as part of a wider competition.
Working in a team is an essential life skill and learning it through the fun of playing team sports gives young people experience of what it means to be part of a cohesive unit. This can help them to become more able to work well with others outside of the playing arena, in school or at work for example.
There is a growing interest in the concept of teamwork and its relationship to sporting performance. However, research into this subject in elite sporting environments has been somewhat limited. This article seeks to examine some of the reasons for this gap in the literature.
Firstly, participation in a team sport gives players a healthy dose of physical exercise and the opportunity to form friendships with their peers which may last for years to come. This social interaction is important to the development of self-esteem and psychological wellbeing. It is also likely to encourage a positive mindset which will aid sporting performance. Lastly, the determination to work as hard as possible for a common goal teaches children how to manage their time effectively and this is something that they will need in the workplace too.