Team sport is an athletic activity that requires cooperation, communication and coordination between teammates to execute strategies and tactics aimed at outperforming and defeating the opposing team. Team sports promote sportsmanship, as well as the development of a variety of skills that contribute to physical and mental wellbeing.
Although it can be difficult for young people to learn how to work effectively with others, research shows that participation in team sports can provide adolescents with valuable lifelong social skills that they will likely apply throughout their lives (McEwan & Beauchamp, 2014). Moreover, the physical demands of team sports such as running, jumping and throwing a ball require significant changes in pace and direction. These frequent changes in intensity make large energy demands on players, particularly on their skeletal muscle glycogen stores. The result is a gradual onset of fatigue that negatively affects performance and can cause injury (Duthie et al., 2003).
One important attribute that distinguishes team sports from other types of groups is the presence of clear standards for effort and performance. Team members recognize that they should report for practice, follow coaches’ instructions and work strenuously during training sessions. They also understand that their success in competitions depends on cooperating with and coordinating their activities with their fellow team members.
Participating in a team sport is a great way to keep fit. It develops your cardiovascular system as you make constant bursts of intense activity, as well as tones muscles and improves flexibility. It’s also a great opportunity to meet new people and learn how to get on with your teammates. This can be a challenge for some autistic youngsters as they may struggle with the social nuances and nonverbal cues of other players.