Suddenly, it seemed, in the late 2010s, all our children picked up this phrase: “Teamwork makes the dream work!” Wherever it came from and why it became popular amongst our players, we might never know, but we do love this full embrace of one of our favourite team sports values: teamwork and collaboration. Let’s take a look at why teamwork is so important in life and sports.
Importance of teamwork - in sports and beyond
It’s arguably one of life’s most important and transferable life skills: teamwork. It’s in every job ad (“must be able to work in a team”), and it’s on every school’s marketing brochure (“we promote teamwork and collaborative learning”). TEAMWORK. Why does everyone care so much about it?
Well, because working together is the essence of being human! Our most primitive ancestors survived through collaboration and division of tasks, of putting society before themselves. To collaborate and interact is to share knowledge, skills, and resources, to bring diversity to solve problems and achieve common goals.
Teamwork is seen as a foundational skill for children as they are prepared to enter society and the workplace. Sports are perfect (and fun) arenas for developing such teamwork skills. In team sports over, say, individual sports, working together effectively is critical for success – but it also has a positive impact on players’ performance, well-being, and skill development – especially for youth.
The benefits of teamwork in sports
Team sports are an excellent way to develop essential teamwork skills that benefit individuals both on and off the field. The lessons learned through sports can lead to personal growth, improved social skills, and a greater sense of community. So, how do sports improve a person’s collaboration skills?
Focus on trust
Trust is a key feature of teamwork. Successful teams require trust between members, trusting that the person will do their tasks show up for one another, and work with you to problem-solve. In sports, trust is built through showing up, dedication, shared experiences, and mutual support.
Enhancing communication skills
Effective verbal and non-verbal communication is crucial in sports. Players need to be able to articulate strategies, provide feedback, and encourage each other, fostering a collaborative and trusting environment.
Under pressure of a game situation, team members are stretched to communicate positively regardless of their feelings or individual needs – they are challenged to put the team’s needs first.
Resolution of conflict
Following our last point… managing disagreements and finding solutions amicably is a valuable skill learned through team sports. We know that, in life, everyone comes with their own experiences and biases, which can lead to conflict or miscommunication – this is a valuable area of teamwork that can be fostered by team sports.
Agreeing on a common goal
Team sports teach players to work together towards a common goal, emphasizing the importance of cooperation. The rules of sport provide clear boundaries and guidelines for activity, acting as a perfect “playground” or “sandbox” for team members to pursue a common goal and work together within boundaries (“the rules of the game”).
Strategically problem-solving
Team sports require a common goal; they also require collaborative problem-solving. To be successful as a team, the players must think strategically, analyse situations and make quick decisions – and make sure that their teammates are also on the same page as them! The team cannot be successful with one person going out on the field or court and doing their own thing. Team sports ensure that success is a team effort!
Providing leadership opportunities and personal development
Team sports provide opportunities for individuals to take on team leadership roles, guiding and motivating teammates. With team sports, coaches and captains must work on their skills of persuasion. These leaders must be able to analyse, inform and motivate others to see their ideas come to life. They must control their emotions for the good of the team, and bond with their teammates to build rapport and authority within the team.
Learning accountability and commitment
A lot of teamwork is about showing up and being reliable. The rigors of training schedules and games, as well as adherence to team rules, instill discipline, dedication, and commitment in team players. Players learn to be accountable for their actions, understanding how their contributions impact the team’s success or failures.
Fostering camaraderie and support for one another
Team sports foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie among players, creating strong bonds and lifelong friendships. Teams often become a support system for players, providing emotional and social support. Part of this is boosting one another and working to improve self-esteem and confidence.
Another side of this is the need to work together to coach one another on how to be a good member of the team. No one is perfect, and learning how to operate in a team has its challenges sometimes. That may include having to deal with feedback – both positive and negative – from peers. This is a great teamwork skill from team sports that is wonderful for personal growth.
Learning adaptability
Team dynamics often change. Players in team sports learn to adapt to changing circumstances, whether it’s an unexpected play or a shift in team dynamics. Perhaps someone new joins the team and their skills aren’t quite up to scratch and you have to be patient while they develop; or maybe someone amazing joins the team and competes with you for your position.
Team sports teach you how to deal with people; they also teach you how to manage yourself within the ecosystem – just like you would in your community or workplace in future. Through these scenarios, we learn patience, self-worth and resilience.
Team sports and teamwork: a summary
To work together is a fantastically human thing to do, something we’ve done since the beginning of time. While the consequences of working these days collaboratively are less “live or die,” teamwork skills continue to be in demand for workplaces and communities to thrive.
Teamwork skills developed in team sports are highly sought after and transferable in the workplace and in the community. With the focus on collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and the importance of giving back, and working towards the greater good, team sports players of all ages are developing important skills.
Learn more about the importance of teamwork in sports for yourself by learning more about the team sports we’ve been playing since 2002: rugby, touch, and netball. You might be surprised at how much you enjoying working in a team and the benefits of teamwork in sports – trials are free!