How to Be a Great Teammate

Every athlete wants to score touchdowns, pull the game-winning flag, or be the one who makes the highlight play. But in reality, what separates good teams from great teams isn’t one superstar — it’s a group of athletes who know how to be great teammates.

At DH Flag Football, we remind athletes that individual talent can win plays, but teamwork wins championships. And being a great teammate is about far more than just showing up to games. It’s about the way you carry yourself, how you treat others, and the energy you bring every single day.

Here are four ways every athlete can be a better teammate — and why it matters.

1. Celebrate Others’ Successes

One of the simplest, yet most powerful, ways to be a great teammate is by celebrating your peers.

It’s easy to cheer when you’re the one scoring the touchdown or making the big defensive stop. But true teammates get just as excited when it’s someone else’s moment. Whether it’s clapping for a teammate who made their first flag pull, hyping up the QB after a great throw, or giving a high five to someone who hustled on defense, celebrating others builds a culture of support.

Real Example: At one of our clinics, I watched a group of receivers cheer louder for a new player’s first clean route than they did for their own touchdowns. That kind of celebration created an energy shift — suddenly, everyone wanted to encourage and lift each other up. That’s what great teams do.

Athlete Challenge: At your next practice or game, find at least one moment to celebrate a teammate’s success — even if it’s a small one. You’ll be surprised how much it motivates them.

2. Encourage in the Tough Times

It’s easy to cheer when things are going well. But real teammates show up when things get tough.

When someone drops a pass, misses a flag, or feels frustrated, they don’t need criticism — they need encouragement. A quick “You’ll get it next time” or “Keep going, we’ve got you” can flip a teammate’s mindset and keep them engaged.

Encouragement also builds trust. When your teammates know you’ll be there for them after mistakes, they’ll play freer and with more confidence.

Flag Football Connection: Imagine a QB throws an interception. Instead of rolling eyes or pointing fingers, great teammates help reset the huddle: “We’ll get it back. Next play.” That kind of encouragement doesn’t just protect confidence — it builds resilience.

Athlete Challenge: Be intentional about your words. If you see a teammate struggling, commit to being the first voice they hear — and make sure it’s positive.

3. Accept Your Role and Do It with Pride

Not everyone gets to be the QB. Not everyone scores touchdowns. But every role on the field matters.

Great teammates understand that blocking, pulling flags, running clean routes, or even being a vocal leader from the sideline are all essential to team success. They don’t complain about their role — they embrace it and execute it with pride.

On the Field: A receiver who runs a hard route even when they know they won’t get the ball still creates space for their teammate. A defender who chases every play, even when the flag is pulled by someone else, shows relentless hustle that pushes the team forward.

Athlete Challenge: Instead of asking, “Why am I not getting the ball?” ask, “How can I make my team better in this role?” Champions do the little things that don’t always show up on the stat sheet.

4. Communicate with Respect

Communication is the glue of every team. But how you communicate matters.

Respectful communication means:

• Listening when your coach is talking.
• Talking to teammates with encouragement, not criticism.
• Giving constructive feedback without tearing someone down.

When communication is positive and respectful, everyone feels valued. And when everyone feels valued, the team plays with unity.

Real Example: I’ve seen teams fall apart because players were more focused on yelling at each other than playing the game. And I’ve seen average teams overachieve because they communicated with respect, stayed positive, and trusted one another.

Athlete Challenge: Pay attention to your words and tone this week. Ask yourself, “Did what I just say build my teammate up, or tear them down?” Adjust accordingly.