Team sports are played by a group of people who interact with each other in a coordinated way to meet a common objective. Most team sports involve moving a ball or some other item according to rules established by the team. They usually require good preparation and strategic planning to accomplish. The players also need mental toughness to compete effectively against other teams.
Inclusion criteria for team sport interventions
For this systematic review, we applied inclusion criteria for studies reporting on health promotion interventions for team sports. We searched electronic databases, including MEDLINE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. We excluded publications that were duplicated or did not report the results of the included studies. We also excluded studies that were not published in full-text, were not published in English, and did not meet 50% quality by STROBE.
Inclusion criteria for team sport interventions should focus on developing policies and practices that ensure that children with disabilities can participate in team sports. These programs can increase girls’ participation in physical activity and encourage them to continue participating over time.
Impact of team sport interventions on group cohesion
Team sport interventions may have positive effects on group cohesion. Research has shown that individuals in teams feel more committed to each other when they are part of the same task or social activity. Cohesive groups also have higher levels of positive emotions and exhibit less attendance problems. Further, team members are more motivated to perform at a high level when they feel a sense of belonging.
Team members should be made aware of their goals and discuss them weekly. This will help them practice expressing ideas and coming to a consensus. This will strengthen team cohesion.
Health benefits of team sport
Participating in a team sport has several health benefits compared to sedentary or inactive lifestyles. It improves physical and mental health and reduces symptoms of social isolation. It also improves social self-concept and self-esteem. In addition, team sports are linked to a decrease in suicidal thoughts and feelings.
Team sports provide athletes with access to health professionals and a built-in support system. They also improve the athlete’s overall health. Athletes who participate in team sports report improved self-esteem and fewer depressive symptoms.