5 Qualities to Becoming a Great Team Captain

Being tasked with captaining a team is an honour that comes with many responsibilities, which include leading the team to greater heights.

The role of a captain is to lead, support, inspire and represent the other members of the team in a dignified manner. They are also expected to be good role models for supporters and the youth who look up to them.

For current captains and those who are aiming to receive the honour of captaining their sport team one day, we look at 5 qualities a great team captain possesses:

1. Always Put the Team First

As a captain, your focus should not be about making yourself the star of the show or always gunning for the limelight. Your duty is to constantly look for ways to serve the team and help accomplish the goals that have been set out.

2. Lead by Example

You have to lead those around you in everything that you do. Be the first to arrive at training, have a strong and admirable work ethic, represent the team well both on and off the field. Take on extra responsibilities to ensure that things work as smoothly as possible to show that you have the team’s best interests at heart. This positive attitude will rub off on your teammates, which will ultimately lead to the team’s success on the field.

3. Inspire Those Around You

Being a captain means that you not only lead a team, but you also inspire them to be better humans. Be able to spread positivity and be enthusiastic about what you are all trying to accomplish; reach out to your teammates to spread this enthusiasm for the benefit of the team.

4. Have a Positive Relationship with Coaching Staff and Your Teammates

You cannot be a leader and have beef with the members of your team! This negative energy will not do the team any good. You have to develop strong and trustworthy relationships with every member of the team. When disagreements arise, communicate to solve the issues, instead of holding on to grudges which will negatively impact the whole team and the goals that have been set.

5. Step Up When the Team Needs You

The pressure of being a great captain will require you to step up when the chips are down. Whether there is a lack of energy within the team in training, coming back from a bad loss, having to bounce back in a game when you are a goal down or having teammates who are dealing with personal issues that might be affecting their play, you have to bring the positive energy to pick their spirits up. An important note here: leaders find a way to make an impact when it matters most.