Team sport is an activity that requires the participation of a group of individuals and involves interaction among them, whereby the outcome of a competition depends on the performance of the entire team during the whole match. Some examples of team sports include basketball, football, volleyball, handball, cricket and baseball. These activities also foster a sense of nationalism since teams represent cities or even entire nations.
One of the most important pedagogical benefits of team sport is teaching kids how to collaborate and put their personal differences aside for the greater good. This valuable life skill can be applied to any career, school or family situation. Team sports also teach children how to deal with disappointment. Not everyone will make the varsity football team, or make it to the finals in the open 400 race, and learning how to accept defeat while still feeling like part of the team is essential to a child’s emotional well-being.
Another key aspect that sets team sport apart from other groups is the presence of clear standards of effort and performance. The players understand that they must show up for practice, follow the coaches’ instructions and work hard during competitions to earn their spots on the squad.
The unique characteristics of team sports also require the players to juggle many responsibilities, such as practicing two or more times a week, training during the day and working on academics. These responsibilities can cause stress and tension, but they also teach the team members to prioritize and manage their time effectively.
