Team sport refers to a group of athletes playing a competitive game in which teammates facilitate the movement of a ball or similar object in accordance with a set of rules for the purpose of scoring points. Traditionally, such sports include football, baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer and other sports that involve teammates competing against each other to win.
One distinguishing feature of sport teams that sets them apart from other groups is the clear standards of effort and performance they expect from members. For example, it is expected that every practice session will be attended by all members of a sports team, and that they will work hard to improve their skills in pursuit of victory at the next competition. These expectations are often reinforced by external controls, such as the rules of a particular sport league or the scholastic eligibility requirements for participating athletes.
Another distinguishing feature of sports teams is the high level of communication that they require, both verbal and nonverbal. From listening to a locker room pep talk to picking up on nonverbal cues from teammates, working on a sports team helps develop communication skills that can serve athletes well throughout their life. This communication also teaches players to listen to other people’s perspectives, which is a vital skill when working on projects and problems at work or school. Additionally, working with a team of athletes who have different strengths and weaknesses can teach them how to collaborate effectively.