Team sports are activities where members are organized into opposing teams and work together to reach a common objective. There are different types of sports, and each has its own rules and equipment.
A typical team sport organization is comprised of age-specific teams. This allows athletes to play at a level suitable for their abilities and develop relationships with other players. The typical team sports organization has clearly defined boundaries between age-specific teams.
Teams can operate at home or on the road. Sports can also provide opportunities for developing a number of life skills. These include social, physical, and emotional skills. Various studies have shown that participants in sports experience positive psychological and behavioral outcomes.
Depending on the type of sport, athletes will train for a range of hours per week. Studies have also shown that sport participation improves academic achievement and psychosocial health.
Some sports are also designed to teach adolescents how to work well with others. For example, lacrosse and volleyball teams must cooperate to achieve a common goal. In volleyball, each player has a specific role and requires constant attention from teammates. Similarly, a swimming relay team focuses on optimum performance.
Sports can also expose athletes to aggressive behavior. Individuals who behave inappropriately are sanctioned through verbal criticism, ostracism, or expulsion from the group.
In contrast, individuals who demonstrate appropriate behavior are rewarded with greater status in the group. Great teams have a coach who identifies areas for improvement and challenges them to achieve goals.