A team sport is any sports activity that requires a group of athletes to play against each other, with the goal to outscore the opposition. Team members must work together and coordinate their efforts toward a common objective such as winning the game/match.
Team sports are often very physically demanding, requiring the athletes to maintain high levels of speed and stamina for long periods of time during games and/or training sessions. The need for rapid refueling and recovery from intensive periods of play is also typical of team sports. As such, there is a great deal of interest in understanding and optimizing the physiological aspects of team sport performance.
Children who participate in team sports can learn a variety of skills that will benefit them throughout their lives, including social skills, confidence building, teamwork and dedication. In addition, a child who is a part of a sports team can learn the value of commitment, hard work and delayed gratification. Moreover, a child who loses a game can learn to embrace the setback and use it as an opportunity for improvement instead of dwelling on the loss.
In addition to these pedagogical benefits, team sports are a great form of exercise that develops cardiovascular and muscular endurance as well as tones the body. These factors make them a great way for children to increase their level of physical fitness while having fun and staying active. Additionally, children who play team sports can benefit from the positive psychological effects of interacting with coaches and fellow teammates.