A team sport is an activity in which a group of people, called a ‘team’ compete against each other and work toward a shared objective, usually to win. The team members must cooperate to achieve this goal in a supportive, trusting atmosphere. There are a wide variety of team sports, including hockey, football, basketball, baseball, volleyball, water polo, handball and tennis.
In addition to their inherent fun, team sports have a multitude of pedagogical benefits, teaching kids valuable life lessons such as respect for their opponents and fellow teammates, the importance of practice and of unwavering determination to succeed. Kids can also learn to appreciate their own skills, and the strengths of their teammates, helping them become more understanding, supportive and empathetic individuals in their daily lives.
There are a number of other unique characteristics that distinguish sport teams from conventional groups, such as their constant roster size (e.g., 12 players for a volleyball team). This is typically dictated by the rules of the game and/or by the league to which the team belongs.
Additionally, it is common for teams to have a coach whose job is to guide the team by providing structure, accountability and leadership. This helps the athletes to keep their focus and improves the quality of coaching, making it a vital aspect of a high-performing team. A good coach will also help the athletes to develop their mental and physical skills, enabling them to play at their best.