A team sport is a type of athletic activity that involves players competing against each other as part of a group (a sports team), with a common goal of outperforming the opposing team. Team sports require collaboration, communication and cooperation between teammates, a shared understanding of goals, strategies, tactics and plays, as well as unwavering determination.
While many people think of football, basketball, baseball and hockey when they hear the term “team sport,” there are in fact a number of different team sports, including handball, volleyball, lacrosse, water polo and more. Many of these team sports offer a multitude of pedagogical benefits for children, such as building self-confidence, social skills and the ability to communicate effectively with their peers.
In addition to requiring cooperation and communication, most team sports also teach young athletes the value of commitment and dedication. For example, it is not uncommon for team athletes to spend hours in the gym or on the field preparing for games and practices, often with a limited amount of time for sleep, school or other activities. Team athletes also often learn the importance of delayed gratification, as they must wait to see how their efforts on the field affect the outcome of a game or competition.
Ultimately, participating in a team sport will provide your child with a valuable set of life skills that they will carry with them throughout their lives. In addition to learning the importance of teamwork, communication and dedication, your child will also learn how to deal with disappointment. Not every game will go the way they want it to, but the development of communication skills will help them cope and move on from a defeat.