| Andrew |
 | 3 Comments |  | 851 Read | Dec 12, 2008 |
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A few weeks ago I got into an argument with a coworker. The premise of this argument was relatively simple, but I quickly realized that neither of us would win. Actually, no one can win this argument. Ever.
The question at hand? What is the single most team-oriented sport?
Simple right? Wrong. WRONG. This argument could literally go on forever. I forget how it started, but I innocently proclaimed basketball as the most team-oriented sport. I admit I am partial toward the sport because I grew up playing it every day and it remains my favorite sport.
She argued that soccer is just as, if not more, team-oriented than basketball. I countered by saying that (generally) all five players will touch the ball in basketball on a possession, while soccer defenders and goalies will rarely be involved in the offensive play of their team. She countered back by arguing that if it''s all about the team members being directly involved, doubles tennis should hold the title of most team-oriented sport. For every point each one of us made, the other countered right back. This lasted for about 10 minutes before I realized I needed to just concede the argument. I really wasn''t in the mood for arguing, though I still felt strongly about basketball holding the team crown.
Obviously I have taken into account that most sports, by their very definition, are team-oriented. Golf, singles tennis, bowling, and other one-person sports are excluded from this debate. That leaves just about everything else: football, baseball, hockey, handball, field hockey, etc.
I''m interested to get your thoughts. Do you feel strongly that one sport involves more teamwork and team-related effort to reach the desired outcome (i.e. win)? Or do you feel that there is no reason to compare and contrast, because they are all equal? It''s certainly an interesting topic to discuss. Try bringing it up with your friends or coworkers. Just be prepared for the ensuing madness.
Tags:
Team, Basketball, Teamwork, Tennis, Soccer, Football |
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Have to agree with Colin about basketball being able to be dominated by one player, although I would also say that how many times has 1 guy won an NBA title? Remember thats what ur judged on. Jordan had Pippen, Rodman; Hakeem had Drexler, Cassell, Thorpe; Duncan had Parker, Manu, Robinson; Kobe-Shaq; The three bums in Boston, The lakers and celtic teams in the past we stacked. And u look at LeBron, Wilt (once I believe), Ewing, The Big O, they havn't gotten it done even thorugh they were dominate in their repspective eras.
Interesting question, I would have to say a toss-up between football, basketball, tennis/badmitton or even volleyball. In each of these sports, everyone is not only responsobile for themselves, a spot on the field/court, but they also have to cover-up teammates mistakes and mis q's. Football to me is the Ultimate team sport because arguably the most important players, the offensive and defensive lineman are the most unappreciated players on the field (their are ofcourse exceptions to the rule, but how many "Franchise/Team faces" are the big ugglies? They set the tone for every play by moving or being moved across the line of scrimage.
Mark DR
BTW, interesting website, I'll be back to see any new questions
Football is the most team oriented sport i love basketball my favorite sport but if your Small Forward isnt playing well you can deal with it but if one player on a football team plays bad you could have a catastraphy a lineman cant block sack time a QB cant throw nothing works but in basketball you can not give the ball to a guy and same with soccer and doubles you really only need one good player to be good maybe not the best but good
The problem with basketball being the most team-oriented sport is that on offense, one person can, and often times does, carry the load. LeBron averages about 25-30 a night, with about 6-8 assists. That is between 37 and 46 points assuming the assists aren't on three pointers, and not including plays where an assist would be counted, but the player was fouled and made the free throws. That could be about 50% of the team's offensive production. No one in soccer scores or assists on 50% of the production, and very rarely are plays gone coast to coast in soccer, whereas it happens much more frequently in basketball.
Defensively it is very team-oriented though.
