In sports, games, and group activities, learning how to be a good sport and a great teammate are super important skills for kids to pick up.
Not only do they help kids become better players, but they also teach some big life lessons, like how to be empathetic, how to step up as a leader, and how to bounce back from tough situations. But let’s be honest—it’s not always easy to teach these things. It takes patience, practice, and guidance from parents, coaches, and other role models. Whether your child is already into sports or you’re just getting them started with group activities, helping them learn good sportsmanship and teamwork will do wonders for their personal growth.
In this blog, we'll explore practical tips to help children learn to be good sports and effective teammates. These tips are designed to help you support your child in understanding what it means to win and lose gracefully, communicate with peers, and build the cooperative skills necessary for team success.
Why Sportsmanship and Teamwork Matter
Before we “tackle” the tips, let’s explore why being a good sport and a team player is important for children’s development.
Emotional Intelligence: Good sportsmanship teaches kids how to handle their feelings, especially when things get intense. Knowing how to win without bragging and lose without getting too down helps them deal with disappointment and still enjoy their victories.
Empathy: Being part of a team means kids start realizing how their actions affect everyone else. Good teammates learn empathy, which helps them build stronger friendships and connections.
Leadership and Responsibility: When kids understand their role on a team, they start appreciating what it means to be a leader and take responsibility. They figure out that what they do can either help or hurt the group, which is a big lesson.
Resilience: Learning how to accept failure and come back with a positive attitude builds resilience—a skill that’s useful in just about every part of life.
Community Building: Encouraging good sportsmanship also builds a sense of community. Whether it’s in sports or any other group setting, learning how to work well with others lays the groundwork for solid relationships down the road.
Now that we’ve explored the benefits, let’s jump into some practical tips for parents and coaches.
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- Lead by Example
Kids are always watching and learning from the adults around them. So if you're playing a game, in the stands, on the field, or even on the sidelines, make sure you're playing by the rules.
- Win with humility and lose without making a big deal out of it. Avoid showing off when you win, and don’t get too upset if things don’t go your way.
- Cheer others on, even if they’re on the other team, to build a respectful atmosphere.
- Don’t blame teammates or complain about bad luck when things don’t go well. Instead, focus on what everyone can do better next time.
Coaches can also emphasize that winning isn’t everything. It’s just as important to play the game with a positive attitude and respect for others.
- Praise the Effort, Not Just the Outcome
One of the best ways to teach good sportsmanship is by praising the effort, not just the result. If kids only get recognized when they win, they might start to feel like losing makes them a failure. But when you praise their hard work, they learn to value what they put into the game, win or lose.
- After a game or practice, point out specific things your child did that showed good teamwork or a positive attitude.
- If they lose, help them reflect on what went well and what they can work on.
- Teach them that losing is an opportunity to learn. Ask, “What can you do differently next time?” so they focus on improving, not just the result.
For example, you could say, “I loved how hard you worked today, especially when you passed the ball to your teammate. You were thinking about the team, and that’s what matters.”
- Teach Communication Skills
Being a good teammate comes down to good communication. Kids need to know how to express themselves and listen to others, both on the field and off. Here’s how you can help:
- Encourage your child to speak up during games or practice with simple phrases like, “I need help,” “Nice job,” or “What do you think we should do?”
- Teach them the importance of listening to their teammates. Good communication isn’t just about talking, it’s also about hearing what others have to say.
- Help them understand how to deal with disagreements calmly. When conflicts happen, show them how to talk things out, listen to the other person’s side, and find a solution together.
- Promote Fair Play
Winning by cheating or being dishonest isn’t really winning. Teaching kids to value playing fair helps them develop respect for the game, their teammates, and their opponents. Here’s how to encourage fair play:
- Set clear expectations about following the rules. Explain that rules are there to keep things fair for everyone, not just to help them win.
- Teach respect for referees, coaches, and opponents. Even if your child doesn’t agree with a referee’s call, they should still show respect and move on.
- Don’t make it all about winning. Of course, winning is great, but it’s not worth it if it comes from cheating or bending the rules.
Remind your child that true success comes from doing things the right way, not just from being the best on the scoreboard.
- Encourage Leadership Opportunities
Being a good teammate also means knowing when to step up and take the lead. Leadership doesn’t always mean being the star of the show—it could mean encouraging a teammate who’s having a tough time or taking responsibility for a mistake. Leadership helps build confidence and accountability.
- Let your child take the lead in smaller decisions. Maybe they can help organize a practice drill or come up with ideas for the team.
- Encourage them to support teammates who are struggling. A simple “You’ve got this!” or “Nice try” can really help lift someone up.
- Teach them that even leaders make mistakes, and that’s okay. Taking accountability and learning from mistakes is a huge part of being a good leader and teammate.
- Help Them Handle Emotions
Kids can get pretty emotional during games, especially when the stakes feel high. It’s important to teach them how to handle those emotions in a healthy way.
- Show them how to take a deep breath or count to ten if they’re feeling frustrated or overwhelmed during a game.
- Encourage them to talk about their feelings after the game, whether they won or lost. Help them identify what they’re feeling and why.
- Be a role model for emotional control. If you’re upset about a game, show them how to express frustration without blaming others or getting too negative.
Helping your child manage their emotions not only makes them a better player but also prepares them for life’s ups and downs.
- Focus on the Team’s Success, Not Just Individual Wins
In team sports, it’s not all about individual performance. Teach your child that the team’s success is what really matters.
- Emphasize that scoring a goal or making a big play is great, but things like passing the ball or helping on defense are just as important to the team’s success.
- Celebrate wins as a team effort. Even if your child makes the winning play, remind them that it wouldn’t have happened without everyone’s hard work.
- Encourage your child to cheer on their teammates and recognize others’ successes. A simple “Nice play!” can help build team spirit.
- Keep It Fun
At the end of the day, sports should be fun! If your child is enjoying themselves, they’re more likely to embrace good sportsmanship and teamwork naturally. Try not to put too much pressure on them to win or be perfect. Let them enjoy the process of playing, working with their friends, and celebrating progress.
- Let your child experiment and have fun during games. It’s not always about performance—sometimes it’s just about having a good time.
- Ask your child what they love about the game or activity, and focus on those positive feelings. Keeping things lighthearted helps remind them why they’re playing in the first place.
When kids have fun playing sports, they’re more likely to develop a positive attitude towards teamwork and fair play without even realizing it.
Helping your child become a good sport and a great teammate goes beyond how they perform on the field—it’s about teaching them to respect others, manage their emotions, and embrace the value of hard work and cooperation. As a parent or coach, your role in shaping their attitudes in both sports and life is crucial. Just like in any sport, practice makes perfect, and by focusing on effort, communication, and fair play, you’re helping them build a winning mindset that will carry them far beyond the game.
*Discover products to get your kids active and inspiration for group play HERE!
*Find the perfect Games and Social Emotional Learning resources to help your kids practice good sportsmanship and build other important social skills!
About the Author:
Paige Whitley is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida. With over 3 years of dedicated experience, Paige has become a trusted ally for diverse populations, including the neurodivergent community, trauma survivors, substance abuse sufferers, and those navigating general mental health challenges. Since 2010, Paige has impacted young lives through her work as a lifeguard, swim teacher, behavior technician, nanny, and counselor. When not at work, she indulges in the magic of Disney Parks, enticing culinary adventures, and family time with her husband and fur babies (and Baby Whitley due in May 2024!) Passionate and empathetic, she's a catalyst for positive change, committed to making a difference in her community's mental health landscape.
Quick Read: Building Good Sportsmanship and Teamwork in Kids
Teaching kids to be good sports and great teammates is key for their personal growth! Here are some quick tips to help guide them:
- Lead by Example:Show your kids how to win humbly, lose gracefully, and support others.
- Praise Effort, Not Just Wins:Focus on hard work, teamwork, and learning from mistakes, win or lose.
- Teach Communication Skills:Encourage clear, respectful communication and active listening with teammates.
- Promote Fair Play:Remind them that playing by the rules is more important than winning at all costs.
- Encourage Leadership:Help kids take responsibility and lift up teammates by setting a good example.
- Manage Emotions:Teach healthy ways to handle frustrations, like deep breathing and talking it out.
- Celebrate Team Success:Focus on the team’s accomplishments, not just individual moments of glory.
- Keep It Fun:Sports should be fun! Make sure your child enjoys the process and learns along the way.