Mentality in Team vs. Individual Sports
Sports often evoke feelings of camaraderie, accomplishment, and hard work; yet a clear distinction arises between team and individual sports, or the distinction between working together with teammates for a successful game (soccer, football, basketball) or having results be more dependent on the individual(swimming, track & field, tennis). So, how do these differences translate into one's mentality towards the sport?
In team-based sports, it’s easier to build stronger relations with one another since the nature of these events require everyone to develop a good understanding of each other’s playing styles, strengths and weaknesses, etc. Efforts are typically made to support each other, where with stronger teammates comes a stronger team. The multitude of practices endured with another, undergoing each triumph and loss together; very quickly will a team become one—a tight knit family.
However, this constant companionship can bring about its own set of struggles, such as increased competition to secure a spot on the team. Ultimately, the goal of any player is to play. There are limited spots for playing positions, meaning some will rise to the top, while others may fall as benchwarmers. If sportsmanship is not displayed, coupled with unnecessary hostility and jealousy, or if players are simply less compatible with others, these tensions become more prominent. If not properly managed, environments may become toxic or debilitating.
In individual sports, players tend to prioritize their own success and improvement.
Sources:
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Okstein, Daniel. “The Psychology of Individual Sports.” The Williams Record, https://williamsrecord.com/464211/sports/the-psychology-of-individual-sports/. Accessed 20 June 2024.
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