A team sport is an athletic activity that necessitates the involvement of multiple individuals working as a unit and requires mutual support. It is usually impossible or highly impractical to execute the sport as a single-player endeavor. Examples of this type of activity include running, swimming, cross-country skiing, and biathlon. The term is also applied to equestrian sports that involve the use of horse and rider in tandem, including dressage, combined training, and show jumping.
Many children play team sports in the belief that they will become better at a particular sport. But the real benefit of participating in a team sport is that kids learn how to work with others toward a common goal and develop a variety of life skills. These lessons apply to all aspects of life and are transferable to school, work, and family relationships.
Children also learn how to foster good sportsmanship and put winning in perspective. All athletes experience losing in their games and careers, but if children are taught to be proud of their efforts and to view their losses as opportunities for improvement, they will be well-prepared for the inevitable setbacks that occur in life.
In addition, participating in a team sport helps kids learn to problem solve. They must be able to formulate strategies for competing against teams that have different strengths and weaknesses. This is a vital skill that will serve them well in all aspects of their lives, from the classroom to the boardroom.
