A team sport is a game or sport that requires the cooperation and collaboration of teammates to achieve an objective. Examples include basketball, volleyball, baseball, tennis, soccer and football. The concept of team work is central to these sports, and they can be used as vehicles for developing critical thinking skills that kids will use throughout their lives.
Team sports also require excellent communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal. Whether it is listening to the locker room pep talk, picking up on a teammate’s non-verbal cues or expressing a thought during a post-game debrief, team members must communicate effectively in order to succeed. This is a skill that will carry over into all aspects of life, from family to workplace teams.
The most popular team sports worldwide are football (soccer), basketball, volleyball and baseball. Other sports that can be considered team sports include water polo, cricket and handball. Rowing is another team sport that requires extensive coordination and teamwork.
Despite the fact that many team sports are played in groups, there is still some debate about what defines a true team sport. Some sports, such as synchronized swimming and doubles tennis, feature teams that compete against other pairs. Other sports, such as relay races, involve a combination of individual and team performances.
The important thing is that kids learn how to work together, set goals and train hard for them. They will also learn the value of compromise and cooperation with their teammates. They will also learn that not everyone gets to be the star of every play and that there are often times when you must sacrifice yourself for the greater good.