Team sport is a term used to describe any type of sport where players work together to play a game. The objective of most team sports is to facilitate the movement of a ball or other object in accordance with the rules of the game, in order to score points.
A number of different types of team sports are practiced around the world, with some being more specialized than others. These include, but are not limited to: swimming, rowing, sailing, dragon boat racing, track and field and soccer among many others.
The unique feature of team sports is the simultaneous presence of competition and cooperation in achieving performance success (e.g., basketball). Unlike conventional groups where individuals are segregated based on their skill level, team sports promote interdependence and social inclusion in a group (Smith & Mellano, 2017).
In addition, team sports provide an opportunity for young athletes to learn life skills that will serve them well throughout their lifetimes. These include, but are not limited to: patience, commitment, perseverance, good sportsmanship, and confidence.