Team sport is a sporting activity wherein participants compete as part of a group, rather than as individuals. It usually involves teammates facilitating the movement of a ball or similar item in accordance with rules to achieve a predetermined objective. Examples include basketball, football and rugby.

Team sports teach us to work together and put our personal opinions aside for the greater good of the group, a skill that can be applied in all areas of life. In addition, team athletes learn to rely on and trust their teammates, which can also help build relationships with people from different backgrounds and ages.

Playing team sports also teaches patience and perseverance. Players must learn to wait their turn and not overextend themselves, or they will risk compromising the success of the entire team. Developing these skills is beneficial for kids as they grow into adulthood and enter the workforce and other areas of their lives where they may encounter challenging situations and problems that require them to think on their feet.

Lastly, team athletes must develop time management skills by learning how to balance their commitments and responsibilities between practice, games, school and other activities. Shannon Miller, a member of the 1992 and 1996 United States Olympic women’s gymnastics teams, noted that she kept a minute-by-minute schedule when she was an athlete to ensure that she had enough time to accomplish all her goals. Similar strategies can be used to manage daily life tasks.