Athletes participate in sports for various reasons, from a hunger for physical activity and competition to the joy of belonging to a team. Coaches can improve the team's performance by finding the right motivation for each situation and player.

Sports condition both your body and your mind. Apart from the obvious physical prowess required to participate in any sport; you need the mental discipline to maintain your focus. And like any form of exercise, you’ll benefit from the release of neurotransmitters like endorphins that elevate your mood.

Socialization is “the process by which a human being beginning at infancy acquires the habits, beliefs, and accumulated knowledge of society through education and training for adult status,” according to Merriam-Webster.

The link between positive mental attributes and sport has been part of human culture since the earliest civilizations, as evidenced in poetry and art from ancient Greece, early historical records from China and biblical texts.

Participating in sports encourages physical activity, improves mental health and teaches teamwork. But, some people might think gender-segregated sports teams send the wrong message to kids by keeping boys and girls separate.

Video analysis, a commonly used tool in modern sports, can provide a training boost for individual and team competitions. Coaches and trainers analyze video from live action and training exercises, and the results of their careful analyses provide helpful feedback for the athletes.

Participation in competitive sports has long been a staple of high school culture. Not only does it help kids stay in shape, learn focus and socialize but it also teaches them about working under pressure. Competition is about challenging yourself to improve.

Dreams of multimillion-dollar contracts, Olympic glory and college scholarships have many parents pushing their children harder than ever to play sports. Kids are being entered in sports leagues at younger ages; some are forced to participate year-round in the hopes of creating the next superstar.

Today's cheerleaders have to cheer, dance, jump, tumble and stunt. The elite level of athleticism currently in cheerleading requires extensive training in all of these areas. Work out daily, including endurance, strength, flexibility and balance training in your fitness regimen.

Youngsters often start playing sports because their parents have an interest in it. They may see their mother or father watching a game on television and become inspired, or their mother or father may decide that they will benefit from this type of activity.

In 2012, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported that sports participation records in the United States had reached record levels. During the 2010 to 2011 academic year, 55 percent of all high school students participated in sports.

Sports organizations offer team sports for children as young as three, including basketball, soccer, baseball and tennis. Playing sports requires teamwork, motor skills and the ability to follow directions and children are just beginning to develop these skills at the age of two.