Millions of children and adults participate in team sports. These sports not only help kids stay physically fit, they also teach the value of working with others toward a common goal. Whether the sport is hockey, football or swimming, team athletes are constantly interacting with coaches and fellow teammates who can be positive role models in their lives. Developing these soft skills early in life will benefit kids as they transition into adulthood.
Unlike conventional groups, sports teams are made up of individuals whose actions and interactions are dictated by strict rules and a predetermined goal. These teams are typically coached by highly skilled and knowledgeable people, which allows them to perform at an elite level as a group while still allowing each member to excel in their individual roles. Generally, these sports have a clear home field advantage due to the fact that players are familiar with their own fields’ idiosyncrasies; are adapted to local weather, lighting and wind conditions; can live near the field; and are encouraged by the support of their hometown fans.
In addition to being a team sport, rowing is an exercise in collaboration and partnership. Athletes are expected to express their concerns, hopes and disappointments to their teammates as well as celebrate victories, all of which teaches communication skills that will benefit them in their academic careers. Other team sports include baseball, soccer and hockey, which have a number of positions that require coordination and teamwork. A unique example of a team sport is Ultimate, which involves two teams of seven players trying to get a flying disc into endzones on a field the size of a football pitch.