The Benefits of Team Sport

Team sports are a great way for children to learn important social skills, develop confidence and improve their academic performance. It can also help reduce stress and anxiety, which can have long-term health benefits.

One of the most obvious benefits to team sport is that it promotes respect for others and teaches students how to work as a unit, which can carry over into other areas of their life. This type of respect isn’t just about getting along with your teammates; it’s about knowing when to listen and when to speak up.

Another benefit is that it can also boost motivation. A close-knit team is less likely to give up when faced with a difficult situation and it’s easier for players to find support when they need it.

Time Management: The demands of team sport often include juggling multiple responsibilities, such as practice, games and school or work. Being able to balance these needs can be essential to success in any field.

Leadership: Coaches and captains of team sports have a powerful impact on young people, and they’ll teach them how to rise to the challenge. They can also show them the value of delayed gratification, dedication and working hard toward a goal.

Communication: As Jill Prudden points out in her book “Coaching Girl’s Basketball Successfully,” team sports take a lot of communication — both spoken and unspoken. Whether it’s in the locker room, listening to nonverbal cues from fellow players, or strategy discussions, it’s important for kids to express their hopes, disappointments, concerns and seek feedback from coaches and teammates.