Team sport involves teammates facilitating the movement of a ball or similar object in accordance with a set of rules, in order to score points. In contrast, individual sports involve competitors trying to beat others at a given event, for example the high jump.

A large part of being a good team player is being able to communicate well. Kids learn that if they don’t let the coach or their teammates know what they need, then the whole group will suffer. Whether that communication takes the form of verbal exchanges during drills or practice, or more subtle gestures, such as a hand gesture for “go” in a game, kids will come to realize the value of communicating clearly and making sure their thoughts are heard.

Teams also learn to work together to achieve a common goal. This is a valuable life lesson that kids will carry with them long after they leave the field, rink or court.

Team sports teach kids to put the importance of the group over the importance of the individual, a lesson that will be useful in all aspects of their lives. They will learn that it is okay to make sacrifices for the greater good of the group, such as missing school events to practice for a game.

Additionally, team sports teach kids how to cope with loss. Almost every athlete experiences a loss during their career, and learning to deal with that loss and turn it into an opportunity for improvement is a very valuable lesson.