A team sport is any sporting event in which a group of individuals, called a ‘team’, compete against other teams in order to win. There are many different team sports such as football, baseball, basketball, tennis, cricket and water polo. People of all ages and backgrounds take part in team sports around the world for the comradery, exercise and fun.
In team sports, participants recognise that they should attend practice sessions and follow their coaches’ instructions in order to reach the best possible level during competitions. The members of a sports team also realise that they should support their teammates to achieve success. These features set team sports apart from other social groups and contribute to the sense of belonging that characterises team sport participation.
Communication is a major component of all team sports. This involves verbal and non-verbal interaction between players, including body language, gestures and eye contact. Athletes learn to communicate their ideas, opinions and problems to their teammates, as well as listening to others’ points of view. They will develop important interpersonal skills that can help them in the workplace and other areas of their lives.
Participating in team sports can be a great way to improve social skills and boost self-esteem. They can learn to respect adults like their coaches and referees, as well as learning that actions have consequences (for example, arguing with another player could result in being sent off). They will also learn to value time, as they must prepare for training, travel to matches and meet deadlines.