Nowadays, people are well-versed in the benefits of exercise. Aside from being good for physical and mental health, exercise also improves fitness, increases energy levels, provides focus, and encourages self-discipline – to name a few.
However, many common forms of exercise like running, swimming, and cycling are solo affairs. While it’s true that you can partner up with a buddy, the gains are only experienced personally and, therefore, only appeal to a certain type of individual.
One of the most satisfying ways to exercise and enjoy all its associated benefits is to participate in a team sport. Aside from the physical aspect, team sports provide many incredible opportunities for personal development, regardless of age.
There are numerous advantages to engaging in a team sport, but today, we highlight six that are particularly beneficial to teens.
Improve Self-Confidence
A great coach will encourage (if not insist on) a supportive team environment. They will ensure that everyone’s efforts are valued and celebrated. After all, there is no ‘I’ in team.
When you give people the space to explore their skills in an encouraging and safe environment, they often experience advances in self-confidence and self-worth. Over time, this confidence beds itself in and spills over into other aspects of the individual’s life.
Respect and Fair Play
You could say that respect and fair play are rapidly diminishing societal traits. Engaging in a team sport is an excellent way to learn how to demonstrate these values toward others, be they your teammates or opponents. Respect and fair play are character attributes that embody a positive outlook that will deliver countless advantages during a lifetime.
Self-Discipline and Motivation
Those who involve themselves in team sports from a young age learn the value of self-discipline and self-motivation. Working in a team environment toward a common goal encourages an individual to deliver their best in every situation. The choice to work on a goal requires sacrifice, and at a young age, this takes a lot of discipline and motivation. Over time, motivation and discipline are rewarded with improved results and these traits become valuable and lifelong tools.
Social Skills
In today’s world, where technology is king and a significant amount of social interaction occurs via a device, our teens have fewer opportunities to develop their interpersonal social skills. Team sports are the perfect platform for our youth to put these skills into practice.
Team sports encourage our teens to
- Praise and encourage others
- Help others
- Learn to take turns
- Ask for help without feeling awkward
- Ask permission
- Develop clear communication skills
- Accept other’s differences
- Develop conflict resolution and problem-solving techniques
- Learn the value of loyalty
- Accept constructive criticism
- Compromise
- Use good manners
Strong Relationships
Teens who engage in team sports will often benefit from close bonds and enduring relationships. Time, challenges, a mix of personalities, and the highs and lows of competition put team relationships to the test. Learning how to support others and manage oneself through a team experience sets a good foundation for future relationships.
Perseverance
Team sports teach perseverance and consistency. A good coach will guide their team members to get something right by showing them the way. If the player fails, the coach will encourage them to persevere. Watching teammates overcome their challenges further reinforces the message that perseverance is what it takes to improve and succeed.
Encouraging teens to get involved in team sport creates many opportunities for them evolve as an individual. Aside from all the valuable attributes mentioned above, team sports can help teens gain a perspective that will help them navigate and overcome future life challenges.