{"id":11152,"date":"2024-08-15T14:11:56","date_gmt":"2024-08-15T18:11:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/?p=11152"},"modified":"2026-01-29T09:47:37","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T14:47:37","slug":"how-athletes-can-be-team-players","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/how-athletes-can-be-team-players\/","title":{"rendered":"How Athletes Can be Team Players\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/how-to-be-a-team-player.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/how-to-be-a-team-player.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11153\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/how-to-be-a-team-player.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/how-to-be-a-team-player-300x150.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Many_athletes_refer_to_their_%E2%80%9Cteam%E2%80%9D_as_a_%E2%80%9Cfamily%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>Many athletes refer to their \u201cteam\u201d as a \u201cfamily.\u201d <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/how-athletes-can-be-team-players\/#Many_athletes_refer_to_their_%E2%80%9Cteam%E2%80%9D_as_a_%E2%80%9Cfamily%E2%80%9D\" >Many athletes refer to their \u201cteam\u201d as a \u201cfamily.\u201d<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/how-athletes-can-be-team-players\/#There_are_some_crucial_elements_to_team_mentality_Young_athletes_should\" >There are some crucial elements to team mentality. Young athletes should:&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/how-athletes-can-be-team-players\/#Team_Cohesion\" >Team Cohesion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/how-athletes-can-be-team-players\/#Related_Youth_Psychology_Articles\" >Related Youth Psychology Articles<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/how-athletes-can-be-team-players\/#Instill_Confidence_and_Success_in_Young_Athletes\" >Instill Confidence and Success in Young Athletes<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>However, a <strong>team<\/strong> is more like a workforce&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A successful company comprises many roles, with each employee understanding their job description and what is specifically expected for each shift. When employees perform their roles to the best of their ability, the company runs like an efficient, effective, well-oiled machine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The same is true of successful sports teams. <strong>Teams<\/strong> need to work together to win. When players are unclear about what is expected of them or try to perform outside their roles, the <strong>team<\/strong> becomes dysfunctional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Imagine a basketball game in which everyone wanted to be the lead scorer.<br>Players would hog the ball, overlook open players and make ill-advised shots to achieve their agenda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The same is true for gymnastics. If a sports kids\u2019 best event is the floor routine, but the coach believes he would be most helpful to the <strong>team<\/strong> if he were on the beam, it\u2019s important for him to be a <strong>team<\/strong> player.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A negative response to the coach could impact the whole <strong>team<\/strong>, causing friction and under performance<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"There_are_some_crucial_elements_to_team_mentality_Young_athletes_should\"><\/span>There are some crucial elements to <strong>team<\/strong> mentality. Young athletes should:&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Be accountable: Kids should take responsibility for their role and actions. Players should hold themselves and each other accountable for their thoughts, attitudes, actions and behavior during practice, competitions and away from the game.<br>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Embrace their role: Embracing a role requires understanding it, knowing what is expected, and how to meet those expectations.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&nbsp;Take pride in their role: Peak team play occurs when each player performs their role to the utmost of their abilities and is proud of their efforts. When players want to match their personal statistics, lead the team in points or be the hero late in the game, teams tend to fall apart.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&nbsp;Stay positive and encouraging: Even if sports kids are not actively playing, they can still be engaged and support their teammates. To be an asset to their team, kids should maintain a positive attitude and help teammates fulfill their roles on the team.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&nbsp;Be ready and prepared: Athletes should always be mentally and physically prepared to perform, even if their playing time is limited.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This readiness shows kids\u2019 commitment to team goals and can be crucial when their number is called in unexpected situations. Adopting a <strong>team<\/strong> mentality can make athletes valuable role players who significantly contribute to the <strong>team\u2019s<\/strong> overall success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take, for instance, the following Olympic example. After Kawhi Leonard could no longer continue his Paris Olympic run with the U.S. men\u2019s basketball <strong>team<\/strong> due to an injury, Team USA called upon guard Derrick White to fill the vacant spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Team_Cohesion\"><\/span>Team Cohesion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>White is now among the 12 chosen NBA players to represent the U.S. in the Olympic games. While White is not a prolific scorer, he is a strong defender, especially on the perimeter. He will serve as a role player and understands what is expected of him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI just want to go out there and do what I do, try to fill any holes we might have,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Being a good role player on an athletic team involves embracing specific responsibilities, supporting &nbsp;<strong>teammates<\/strong>, doing what is needed and contributing to the team\u2019s success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When players buy into a \u201c<strong>team mentality<\/strong>,\u201d teams are more capable of achieving their potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Young athletes should define their role for each competition. That role may change from game to game. If needed, sports kids should talk with their coaches about what is expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_Youth_Psychology_Articles\"><\/span>Related Youth Psychology Articles<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/helping-young-athletes-be-team-players\/\"><strong>Helping Young Athletes Be Team Players<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/sports-parents-should-be-team-players-too\/\"><strong>Sports Parents Should Be \u201cTeam Players\u201d Too<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/hall-of-fame-lacrosse-players-teamwork-tips\/\"><strong>Hall of Fame Lacrosse Player\u2019s Teamwork Tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"block-2af4b66a-7a25-46fc-b627-e07fc2853075\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Instill_Confidence_and_Success_in_Young_Athletes\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-kids\/\" title=\"Instill Confidence and Success in Young Athletes\">Instill Confidence and Success in Young Athletes<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full is-resized\" id=\"block-59efff1d-7aae-4218-86ef-46a87932eb50\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/teen-sports-psychology.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/teen-sports-psychology.jpg\" alt=\"Teen Sports Psychology\" class=\"wp-image-9326\" style=\"width:185px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/teen-sports-psychology.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/teen-sports-psychology-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>We\u2019re certain that, as a parents,&nbsp; you want to help your child develop confidence and discipline in sports and life.&nbsp;And as a sports parent, you\u2019d love for your children to reach their potential in sports.&nbsp;But encouraging your child to&nbsp;<strong>strive for greatness without pressuring them<\/strong>&nbsp;can be a challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s no secret that sports success is linked closely to an athlete\u2019s&nbsp;<strong>mental toughness<\/strong>. If your young athletes struggle to perform well in competition, are frustrated with their performance, talk about quitting or display low confidence levels, mental game training can help.&nbsp;Both you and your young athlete can learn how to&nbsp;<strong>build mental toughness and improve performance<\/strong>&nbsp;with&nbsp;<strong>sports psychology<\/strong>&nbsp;coaching for kids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Learn more about one-on-one virtual mental performance coaching for young athletes:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-a31e04c5\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-horizontal is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-499968f5 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-25\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-medium-font-size has-text-align-center has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-kids\/#\" style=\"border-radius:9px\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">GET COACHING<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Many athletes refer to their \u201cteam\u201d as a \u201cfamily.\u201d However, a team is more like a workforce&#8230; A successful company comprises many roles, with each employee understanding their job description and what is specifically expected for each shift. When employees perform their roles to the best of their ability, the &#8230; <a title=\"How Athletes Can be Team Players\u00a0\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/how-athletes-can-be-team-players\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about How Athletes Can be Team Players\u00a0\">Read Sport Psychology Tip<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11154,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[671,456],"class_list":["post-11152","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-youth-sports-psychology-blog","tag-team-player","tag-teammwork-in-sports"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11152","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11152"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11152\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11154"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11152"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11152"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11152"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}