Qualities of a good teammate « anewert1s

There are many things in the game of softball that contribute to a team's success. A lot of those things do not occur on the field. Many times the most important factor in a team is chemistry. It is not always the most talented team that wins, but the team that plays the best together.

In order for a team to have chemistry and succeed as a collective unit, each member must be a good teammate. This can be done in countless ways and below are just a few behaviors that will help an athlete become a better teammate and, as a result, help lead the team to success.

1. Cheer
Cheering is first on the list. Some athletes seem to think that they are "too cool" to cheer during games. This, however, should never be the case. You win and lose as a team; it only makes sense that everyone celebrates each other's success. Cheering can bring a team together and it can intimidate an opposing team. There is no excuse for a quiet dugout. A good teammate always cheers for their fellow athletes.

2. Be a good example
On a team it is important to have players that demonstrate what it means to be a great softball player and a great teammate. This does not necessarily mean action on the field. A good teammate shows the other athletes how to work hard, cheer, and be respectful. Attitude can be contagious and that goes for positive and negative attitudes. A teammate with a positive attitude can infect the whole team and create an atmosphere that promotes success.

3. Respect
A good teammate respects their fellow athletes. Softball players spend so much time with their teammates that they can become like a family. That means they are very close knit and comfortable with each other, but it can also mean bickering and gossiping. It is important to always respect your teammates and never say or do anything you would regret. That is your family and any time you do or say something that is not in the best interest of the team, you are taking a step backward from your goals. Although you can't be best friends with everyone you can respect them.

4. Have each other's backs
Always support and believe in your fellow teammates. If you believe in them, it is easier for them to believe in themselves. Sometimes when things get hard, maybe a player is in a slump, it is important that she have her teammates support. This goes back to the concept of the team as a family. Families help each other through tough times and support each other through thick and thin. It is easier to overcome hard times when there is support from the team. In the end, each individual will be stronger with her family behind them, and therefore the team itself will be tougher. Teams lose and win together, and they should go through it all knowing that they have each other's backs.

5. Take responsibility
When things get hard it is easy to blame mistakes on other people. To be a good teammate you have to take responsibility for yourself. It is a team sport; no win or loss can be contributed to one person. This also means that every team member needs to know her role on the team and take ownership over that role and be responsible for it. If you are a pinch runner, make sure you are warm and ready to go in every inning. If you are injured, cheer constantly and support the team. Be responsible for your role on the team. If everyone really takes ownership of their role within the team and does their job then success will follow.