Team sport is a form of athletic competition that requires teamwork, cooperation, and coordination between teammates in order to perform. It differs from individual sports in that its fundamental nature is inherently impossible or highly impractical to execute as a solo endeavour. Team sports foster group dynamics and a strong sense of community. They can be played at a range of levels from grassroots to professional, and have been associated with a number of positive pedagogical outcomes for children such as self-esteem, social skills and responsible behaviour.
While team sports have many benefits, they can also pose a challenge for participants since their high level of physical demands often require an extended period of time in which athletes produce skillful actions and maximal or near-maximal efforts (eg, changes in speed, direction, accelerations, sprinting, jumping) interspersed with brief recovery intervals of rest or low-intensity activity. In addition, training with a close-knit team can be motivating and inspiring, encouraging participants to push themselves further than they might otherwise.
Athletes involved in team sports often experience greater injuries compared to those who participate in individual sports because the number of moving bodies increases the likelihood of collisions and overuse. In general, though, they learn to value their teammates’ abilities and understand how each member contributes to the team’s success. This can help them become more supportive, patient and optimistic people both on the field and off it. In addition, they develop valuable communication skills that can translate to their academic pursuits.