Games to Build Teamwork in Sports

In order to win in team sports, you need to develop teamwork. Some of the important components of teamwork are trust, being able to anticipate a teammate's move and communication. To develop a strong team, you need to engage in games that build teamwork. It may be helpful to use games not based on the sport you play to get your teammates out of their element. When you remove the comfort level of familiarity, you can better build the skills involved with being a good team.

  1. Sand Castles

    • If you have a team of more than five players, then break down into smaller groups and hit the beach to build sand castles. If you have ever tried to build a sand castle, then you know know how difficult it can be. In order to make the game useful, you should set rules such as the castle must be a certain height and it must contain things like a moat and at least one tower.

    Human Chain

    • In order to work well together, you need to be coordinated with your teammates. You need to anticipate their actions and be able to match their rhythm when they get into a pattern. You can use the human chain game to create a smooth rhythm between all of your teammates. The simplest way to do the human chain game is by using two small swimming pools and a bucket. You fill one pool with water, and then you and your teammates make a human chain to transfer the water from one pool to the other with one bucket. The key is to move the water as fast as possible without losing more than half of it in the transfer.

    Capture the Flag

    • This popular child's game is an excellent way for teams to learn communication and anticipation skills that will be valuable on the playing field. This game works best in a forest or someplace where people can be concealed. You should split your team up into two smaller teams. Each team is given a flag to protect. The object is to grab the other team's flag and bring it back to your team's home base before anyone on the other team can tag you. If you are tagged, you have to sit out of the game and give back the opponent's flag.