Team sport is a form of competition in which athletes compete as part of a group rather than individually. Examples include synchronized swimming, tennis doubles and relay races. The team element gives these sports a social structure and sets a framework for expectations of behavior. This framework, called a group norm, provides the athletes with an understanding of what behaviors are acceptable (Carron, 1988).
Team sports teach kids that they can’t do it all by themselves. They have to learn how to cooperate with others and rely on the skills of their teammates to be successful. They also learn that it’s okay to lose sometimes and how to cope with a loss in a positive manner.
In addition, they’re encouraged to be good role models for their fellow athletes. They’re also taught the importance of practice, hard work and goal setting, which will help them later in life.
Children who play team sports are less likely to get involved with drugs and alcohol and are more likely to excel in school and have a higher self-esteem as adults. They’re also more active, which helps maintain a healthy lifestyle.
In addition, team sports can be a fun way for kids to improve their balance and coordination. They’re also able to develop new movement skills like skating, running and jumping that they can use in other physical activities, too. For example, Ultimate is a team sport where players try to throw a flying disc into end zones on a field the size of a football pitch.