For those on sports teams, teammates become one of the closest things to you. Through good games or a bad practice, your teammates are always there with you, taking each step as you do.

So how can you be a better teammate? Take a look at some of the things that we’ve come up with.

Support

Nothing means more than having someone who supports you, especially your teammates. Being that someone who has someone’s back means the world to that individual. That kind of support helps boost your teammates morale and self-confidence, not to mention that the same kind of support is probably ready to be given back to you.

Push

As a team, you look to achieve great things, and win the big one. All of that comes by the teammates working together. However, nothing in life is free, and a lot of hard work needs to be put in. Pushing your teammates to be better can be running an extra stride beside your teammate as they finish their last, or as simple as advising them not to eat or drink something that isn’t the best for them at the time.

In simpler terms, you want to push your teammate to be the best that they can be.

Tough Love

When it comes to helping your team and teammates, most people say that they’re willing to do whatever they can to help, but don’t truly do that. They may be good, but if your teammate is "stuck in a slump," you might have to be a little firm with them and let them know where they’re at. Yes, it might hurt their feelings, but that’s why it’s called tough love. The only way that they can get better is for you to let them know where they truly stand.

Accountability

Accountability is probably the most important out of the four. Holding each other accountable is one of the single most selfless acts that you can do as a teammate. A team’s goals are not achieved by sheer will and hope, but the accountability of those on it. With everyone checking on the other, it’s no surprise that teams refer to themselves as “families.”

Some view sports as just an activity; others view it as a connection. However it’s viewed, teams and teammates grow with each other, and many continue to grow after their playing days are over. As the relationships grow, some of these ways will not only help you become better teammates, but better people in society.

Positive Influence

Everybody needs a positive influence. When you are on a team, you definitely need a positive influence. Try to keep any of your teammates out of trouble. If you start to see them drifting off into the bad pack, pull them back into reality. Every runner, thrower, and jumper counts on a track team.

Not only be a positive influence on behavior, be a positive influence as a runner. If you give your all at practice and teammates seeing you do so, then they will want to give their all. One person’s positive influence on a team can cause a extraordinary amount of change in the entire teams attitude!

If you want to become a better teammate, be sure to do all steps stated here. There is a 100% guarantee that you will see a positive outcome of everybody on your team!