While having complimentary playing styles is highly important in excelling at team sports, it’s only half the story. Being a good teammate demands more than athletic excellence. In fact, some of the best team players aren’t the best players on the court. Instead, team players are very efficient at other parts of the game.

Those aspects of the game have more to do with character, and it is the most essential necessity for being a good teammate. Here are the best characteristics needed for any good teammate.

Vocal/Communication

Communication is one of the most unsung characteristics in team sports. Yet, it becomes most apparent when the losses start piling up. Players that aren’t vocal and don’t speak to their teammates will never have a chance to build a fluid team chemistry. Being on the same page on the court or field means letting teammates know what you plan on doing and listening to what others plan on doing.

Honesty

Constructive criticism is an absolute must in any team sport. Teammates shouldn’t be afraid of bringing up the mistakes of others. In doing so, a team can sort out their flaws and realize what they need to practice on a team level and individual level. Honesty also helps build camaraderie as teammates can then turn their criticism into much needed encouragement.

Trust

It’s easy to see on the playing field when teammates don’t trust each other. Instead of staying in position, they are moving all over the place tyring to do too much because they don’t think their teammate will. This causes teams to play in erratic patterns and will hurt them overall. Teammates need to trust each other, which will allow them to play as one instead of as many.

Compassion

Every athlete will go through trials in their playing careers from slumps to injuries. Good teammates understand this and are ready to offer their compassion rather than their disappointment.

Rarely will you find a championship team that didn’t get along. The fact is that good teammates make great teams, all with a little character.