5 Tips to Be a Good Team Player
- By Kyle Ohman, from the Active Kids Website.
The best sports teams are made up of players who work together and are willing to make sacrifices. A team with unselfish players who support each other will perform better than a group of individuals who don’t play as a team. This is why, in addition to working on individual skills, it’s also essential to learn how to play with others.
Here are five tips to help kids be great team players.
1. Be a “we” player and not a “me” player
A “me player” is only concerned with the aspects of the game that affect them, such as how many points they score. If the player doesn’t benefit from something, they will not do it.
A “we player” understands that he is part of a team and is committed to helping the team win, regardless of his role. If you’re unsure what type of player you are, ask yourself this question, “Would I be happier if I played well and the team lost, or if I didn’t play as well but the team still won?” The answer to this question will determine whether you’re a “me player or a “we player.”
2. Work hard and encourage others.
Not every player on your team will be motivated to work hard, and some of your teammates may need encouragement to practice and improve. So the next time you go to the gym or the field to work on your game, bring a teammate or two.
Encourage your teammates to spend time developing their skills. The extra practice will help you improve, and working together will help you bond as a team.
3. Sacrifice for the Team
Not everyone can be a hero all the time. To win games, players must be willing to make sacrifices for the team. In basketball, this might mean diving on the floor after a loose ball; in football, this could mean making a great block to help a teammate score.
No matter what sport you play, you must make sacrifices to help your team win. To be a good team player, you must do the little things that may go unnoticed to help the team.
4. Cheer for Your Teammates
Cheer for your teammates when they make a good play. Even if you’re not playing well and feel discouraged, it’s essential to keep a positive attitude and encourage your teammates. This isn’t always easy, but it can help boost your team’s morale.
5. Don’t Point the Finger
When things go wrong during the season, it’s easy to blame someone else. It’s vital, however, that you learn to stick together as a team and pick each other up after a loss. No one will ever be perfect, especially in sports; mistakes are inevitable. The team improves over time by learning to overcome a loss and correct mistakes. A good team player can stay positive, provide encouragement and help the team stick together through tough times.