Team sport involves teammates facilitating the movement of a ball or similar object in accordance with certain rules, in order to score points. This includes baseball, soccer, football, basketball, rowing, lacrosse and a number of other sports. Athletes who participate in team sport can learn how to work effectively with a group of people—an important skill for life.
Kids who play team sports can also develop a positive sense of self-esteem. They are taught to respect their coaches, teammates and opponents. They also learn how to set and achieve goals. They may be injured during the course of a game, but they can learn from these experiences and be a more tolerant person as a result.
In team sports, athletes are taught how to make good decisions on behalf of the team. They must know how to share the ball, pass well and dribble. They must also be able to adapt to changes in the environment and adjust their technique accordingly. According to the Janssen Sports Leadership Center, working with a team can teach athletes how to support one another and to act in an unselfish manner.
Being part of a team sports team can also be a great source of motivation for children to get enough exercise. They are held accountable to their group mates and have no choice but to show up for practice, even when they are tired. Likewise, they must be willing to work hard for the benefit of the whole group—an invaluable lesson for their future in school and in the workplace.