Lesson 6:Are You a Team Player?

“A team with a star player is a good team,but a team without one is a great team.”— UnknownIndividual vs. Team CompetitionAthletic competition has been around for hundredsof years, even before the ancient Olympics in Greece.Athletes throughout history have participated in gamesand contests. Much of the time, individuals competedfor fame and glory. Who could run the fastest? Throwa ball the farthest? Jump the highest? Lift theheaviest object?The concept of teamwork is a more modern idea.Rather than competing one on one, athletes formteams and have to work asa group. Good teamworkis about making choices.Players must choose whatis good for the group overindividual glory. Teamworkis not always easy, butit is essential to successboth on and off theplaying field.3