From High School to the Pros, Top Teams Rely on Selflessness

In the modern era of sports, individuals are celebrated for their spectacular performances. LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers regularly makes the headlines for his masterful passes, dunks and blocks. Odell Beckham Jr., wide receiver for the New York Giants, recently had the sports world fawning over his highlight-worthy catches, including a one-handed grab that many have called the greatest of all time.

However, despite these celebrations of individual achievements, most sports continue to be team games. Even with his usual brilliance, James hasn’t been enough to help the Cavaliers meet their lofty expectations. Beckham’s Giants missed the playoffs yet again.

Some young athletes have a hard time appreciating the benefits of teamwork and selflessness. As a result, their coaches hold the responsibility of teaching these merits at practices, in games and through sports team websites. By taking a look at stories from around the country, coaches can use the teamwork of others as valuable examples for their own young athletes.

High school girls basketball team exemplifies teamwork

The girls’ basketball team at Kennedy High School outside of St. Louis uses a wide range of defensive schemes to hinder its opponents, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. This means that the players must depend on each other for success.

Whether their coach calls for a man-to-man defense or 1-3-1 zone with a heavy amount of trapping, the team must operate as a cohesive unit.

“I think the main thing is teamwork for us,” Kennedy sophomore point guard Casey Soell told the news source. “At the beginning, we were all trying to prove who should be the starters. Now, we’re working together and getting better passes and shots. Communication on the floor is a big thing.”

Lady Vols work together to stop opponents

The women’s basketball team at the University of Tennessee is off to another strong start this season by allowing just 49.6 points per game to opposing teams, the Knoxville News Sentinel reported. After a few tough losses early in the season, including an upset defeat against Chattanooga in November, the team has gathered itself and become a true defensive force.

The return of All-SEC center Isabelle Harrison, who was out with a sprained knee, has certainly helped the Lady Vols. However, the team's collective effort has been the biggest help.

“You have to play an exceptional game to win on the road,” coach Holly Warlick told the news source. “You have to keep your composure and you have to go in there with the belief and it has to take a team. It really does. It’s a team effort.”