Brian Tass is a dedicated fitness coach with a passion for helping people achieve their health, wellness and sports goals – Including me! WIth a background in Kinesiology and fitness education, as well years of coaching experience in high school sports, Brian offers personalized training that combines excercise science, nutrition and motivation. He understands the challenges of a busy life as a Dad and business owner. Brian is known for being highly motivating and he’s here to help you bring up the next team players, to get the most out of sports and excerecise.
How to Teach Your Child to Be a Good Team Player
by Brian Tass
As parents, we want our children to excel in life. Sports can be a teacher of valuable life lessons. Physical ability and skills are important in these activities, yet teaching them how to be a good teammate also has long-lasting benefits. Sportsmanship and teamwork are lifelong skills that extend far beyond the field or court. Here are five ways to teach your child the value of being a good team player:
Emphasize Communication
Good communication is the backbone of any successful team. Teach your child the importance of listening to their teammates and coaches, as well as expressing themselves in a positive and constructive way. Whether it’s offering encouragement or sharing ideas, strong communication will foster trust and cooperation within the team.
Tip for parents: Role-play scenarios at home where your child can practice communicating with others, such as resolving a conflict or giving feedback.
Model Positive Attitude and Effort
Kids learn a lot by watching us. Demonstrating a positive attitude and consistent effort—even when things don’t go perfectly—teaches your child resilience. Show them that setbacks are opportunities for growth and that effort is just as valuable as winning.
Tip for parents: Share stories of athletes who overcame challenges through hard work and positivity, rather than focusing solely on their victories.
Celebrate Team Success Over Individual Achievement
While individual accomplishments can be exciting, it’s important to reinforce that a team’s success is the collective result of everyone’s contributions. Teach your child to cheer for their teammates, celebrate the group’s efforts, and acknowledge the roles others play, whether big or small.
Tip for parents: After games or practices, ask your child about a teammate who did something great and how it helped the team, shifting focus away from just personal performance.
Encourage Accountability and Responsibility
A good team player takes responsibility for their own actions and holds themselves accountable, whether it’s for a mistake or a missed opportunity. Encourage your child to own their errors and learn from them, without placing blame on others. This builds integrity and earns the respect of teammates.
For more about Brian programs, training and coaching , visit his website at www.briantassfitness.com
