To start off, here is what being a team player is NOT:
- Not cheering on your teammates.
This applies to running sprints, playing in a game, or more importantly at practice. Your fellow teammates partake in every bit of work that you do, so why not cheer them on? Not cheering on your teammates is a major slap in the face. You might be having a bad day, but that doesn't mean you can take it out on your team. For instance, let's say someone is last in running the sprints, if that were you, wouldn't you want the entire team cheering you on? Exactly.
- Not leaving your personal life off the field.
Everyone has a bad day and it is completely understandable. However, don't let the rest of your teammates suffer from your bad day. Taking the events of the day into practice will prevent your head from being in the game, distract others, and for the most part, not get anything done. Not to mention, being distracted could just lead to someone getting hurt and no body wants that.
- Disrespecting your team or anyone on it.
You may have a disagreement with someone on the team, you spend a lot of time together so frustration is inevitable. Don't advertise your frustration or put the team down. No matter what fight or disagreement, you are still on a team and still represent the school.
- Disrespecting the coach's decision.
As much as you think you know the game inside and out, your coach knows more. No matter what decision your coach makes, you know they are making it with the team in mind. It may not always come out in your favor, but in the end, that is who decides to play you or bench you. Put a little faith in your coach.
Obviously there are always going to be people who didn't get the memo that there is no "I" in T E A M. Although this is unfortunate, if each player takes a minute to reevaluate their ability to be a proper team player and friend, the world would be a better place. In the end, your team loves you and respects you. If coach asks you to play a different position, don't be offended, be happy you just get to help the team out from a different area.
Always, ALWAYS, think with your team in mind. Yes, you're doing sprints, but so is the rest of the team... So don't complain about it, everyone knows.
Being a team player may not always be the easiest thing, but as long as there is an effort, there is progress.
