A team sport is a sport in which a group of people act together toward a common objective, often beating an opposing team. There are many different types of team sports including American football, association football, soccer, rugby league, cricket, lacrosse, water polo, handball and even dodgeball.
While a lot of us think about the physical fitness benefits that come with participating in team sports, research has shown that there are many other mental and social advantages to playing and practicing. Kids and adults who play team sports develop strong social skills, learn how to work with a diverse group of individuals, become better problem solvers, have higher academic performance, and more.
When kids play on a team, they are constantly working with a diverse slate of other people, some of whom may eventually serve as positive role models. This can be helpful in building self-esteem as kids get to see how others react to setbacks or successes on the field. No one wants to be around a sore loser or an obnoxious winner, and learning how to handle both situations is an important lesson that athletes carry with them into their adult lives.
Team sports also help children and adults develop a stronger sense of self-worth, which is tied to the success of the entire group. This can also be a way to foster relationships that they can carry with them into their adult lives. Some of these relationships may be as simple as a coach or other teammates who can provide support and guidance on the field and in life.