A team sport is an activity where a group of people, who form a team, work together to achieve a common goal. The aim is usually to win the game by outscoring the opposing team. Many different sports can be considered team sports but the most popular ones include football, American football, association football, basketball, handball and water polo. Moreover, certain activities such as mountaineering, rowing and dragon boat racing are also considered to be team sports even though they do not involve an opposing team or scoring points.
The biggest benefit of team sports is the way in which they can teach children about working with others and helping each other to achieve success. Working as part of a sports team encourages cooperation, and helps children to develop strong friendships with other members of their team. This can be beneficial in later life when they are at school or in the workplace.
Team sports can also help children to learn how to deal with disappointment. It is not always possible to win every game, and if a team loses a match it can be hard for the players to accept. However, if the loss is a result of their own mistakes or due to the lack of cooperation from other teams then it can be easier for them to deal with.
Another advantage of team sports is the way in which they encourage children to exercise regularly. It is important to get children into regular exercise so that they can stay fit and healthy and avoid developing weight problems in later life. Getting them into team sports can be an effective way of encouraging them to exercise regularly, as they will have to work hard in practice and will need to travel to the other side of town for the games.
Team athletes are constantly working with a slate of other people, and many of these will become positive role models in their lives. Consequently, team athletes tend to have higher levels of self-esteem than non-athletes and are more likely to seek positive social relationships in their later life.
Team sports require a lot of spoken and unspoken communication, from locker room discussion to picking up on the non-verbal cues of teammates. This is a great way for children to build communication skills, and to be able to express their feelings to their coaches and fellow players. They will learn about delayed gratification, and that it is often necessary to make sacrifices for the greater good of the team. They will also learn about the importance of seeking feedback, and that everyone can contribute something to the success of a team.