Team vs Individual Sport

Are you all for one or one for all? When it comes to sports, people typically aren’t both. From an early age, you will usually find yourself leaning towards either team or individual sports.

This decision probably has a lot more to do with who you are as a person than you’re actual skill set. For example, If you are more outgoing or a social butterfly type, then you’ve probably found yourself drawn towards team sports.

Whereas if you are more shy, introverted or naturally competitive, you may prefer individual sports. There are distinct benefits of playing both team or individual sports but, there are of course, obvious disadvantages to each.

Regardless of whether you are a team player or a lone wolf, playing sports is something to be applauded. But have you really thought about the pro’s and con’s of your chosen field?

The Pro’s Of playing Team Sports

With camaraderie and team spirit leading the pack, there are endless advantages to playing team sports, particularly in childhood and adolescent years.

Team sports promote cooperation, no matter the individual talents of the players, you must work together and rely on your teammates in order to succeed.

Playing as a team promotes good sportsmanship and helps to put winning into perspective. Being a sore loser is common, particularly among only children, or those who have never played a team sport.

But, being part of team allows you to understand winning and losing and how to deal with it in a safe and supportive environment.

The burden of loss is felt equally amongst teammates, this can lessen the blow, whereas winning can feel more valuable when the success is shared.

Team sports teach you to appreciate the value of every teammates abilities and how their strengths can contribute to shared goal. This can make you a more supportive, patient and optimistic person on and off the field.

Participating in a team sport can also be a powerful and fun way to stay motivated and push yourself. Having teammates to train with can be inspiring and encourage you to rise to new levels.

Ultimately team sports are a great way to make friends and meet new people. They attract a lot of support and promote a sense of community and belonging.

The Cons Of Playing Team Sports

Team sports can breed competition among teammates, particularly when it comes to receiving individual trophies or accolades. This can create a hostile environment and contribute to feelings inadequacy for individuals.

Teams can also create a pack-like-mentality which usually sees an individual emerge as a leader. While having a leader is not something negative within itself, it can have negative consequences.

As they say, with great power comes great responsibility, and in some cases those in power do not always play for the team. So it is important to ensure that your alpha has your back.

Pros Of Playing Individual Sports

 Individual sports instil higher levels of self-reliance, discipline and passion in athletes. Winning or losing is entirely up to you, and every competition is a chance to beat your personal best.

Your success and your failure are entirely your own. This can improve self-confidence and independence in all areas of life, as you know that you can succeed on your own merits. You do not have teammates to rely on, or share the burden of a loss, this may cause you to be more self-aware and motivate you to work harder in order to succeed.

Individual spots such as tennis have also been proven to be highly beneficial for children who suffer from Attention Deficit Disorder, and other sensory or socialisation disorders. These sports aid in developing self-esteem while improving focus and encourage physical activity.

Cons Of Playing Individual Sports

Individual sports lack the opportunity for athletes to form the same bonds as those on teams, and they do not have the same social aspects. This can mean the individual sports can be lonely and secluding.

Individual sports can cause athletes to have an unhealthier relationship with losing as they lack the support and accountability of a team. A losing streak for an individual athlete can drastically impact their overall confidence in their abilities.

Overall people are said to find team sports more enjoyable, however, the virtues of self-reliance and discipline promoted by individual sports are certainly not to be discounted.

It is important that you chose which ever sport works for you, because ultimately if you’re getting out there and giving it a go, you are doing something positive.

Whether you play team or individual sports, your body will thank you, but be sure not to over do it. If you’re feeling the weight of your game contact with one of our experienced health consultants.