Every team has its stars, the players who naturally attract attention with speed, skill or incredible game winning moments. But the real backbone of any team is not always the most talented athlete, it is the teammate who consistently does the little things that lift everyone else.
Great teams are built on connection, communication, support and trust, and those qualities often come from players whose names are not always in the headlines but whose presence changes everything.
At GameFace GB we have photographed thousands of athletes across countless sports, and one thing is always clear. The best teams are rarely the ones with the most talent, they are the ones with the strongest teammates. During matches, training sessions and even quiet moments on the sideline, you see patterns in behaviour that reveal who the true team builders are. Their impact shows up in demeanour, attitude, body language and the way other players respond to them. Talent matters, but character shapes the team.
This post breaks down the five habits we see over and over again in great teammates of all ages. These behaviours appear in football, rugby, netball, hockey, athletics, swimming, dance, cheer, gymnastics and more. If you want to understand what makes a team function, look for these qualities long before you judge someone’s speed or strength.
1. They Communicate Clearly and Respectfully
Communication is one of the most important skills in sport, and great teammates are the ones who keep everyone grounded and informed. They do not shout for attention or bark orders, but they speak up when it matters and help the team stay connected.
Great communication is not loud. It is clear, calm and helpful.
We see this in the way they:
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Call out plays early
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Alert teammates to changes in the field or pitch
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Offer reminders without criticism
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Use encouraging tone instead of emotion driven instructions
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Stay vocal even when they are tired or frustrated
Younger athletes especially benefit from teammates who can communicate well. It reduces anxiety, builds confidence and keeps everyone focused. In photography sessions, you can see how these athletes bring steadiness into group portraits. They help younger or quieter teammates pose confidently, and their supportive tone shows up in the final images.
Teammates who communicate well contribute far more than most people notice, because they quietly prevent confusion, mistakes and tension. They keep the team organised even when the game becomes chaotic.
2. They Lift the Team Spirit, No Matter the Score
Some athletes have a natural ability to set the emotional tone for the whole group. Their energy is consistent, positive and stabilising. Great teammates understand that their attitude affects everyone around them, so they control it carefully.
You can see this in the way they:
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Encourage teammates after mistakes
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Celebrate effort, not just results
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Bring humour to stressful moments
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Stay calm when others panic
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Keep spirits high when the game is not going well
A team’s morale often determines how they perform under pressure. When one athlete stays positive, the atmosphere improves for everyone. Great teammates do not wait for success to feel good, they create a positive environment so success becomes more likely.
From behind the lens, these athletes stand out without even trying. Their smiles, supportive gestures and relaxed demeanour make team portraits feel genuine and warm. Their optimism lifts not just the team, but the whole environment around them.
3. They Work Hard in Every Situation
Skill can be taught, but work ethic is something deeper. Great teammates are the ones who bring consistency to every session, whether the challenge is exciting or uncomfortable. They do the small things right, they never drift through training and they set the standard for effort.
You recognise these athletes because they:
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Run the extra metres
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Commit fully to drills
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Chase loose balls, even if they will not reach them
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Return after mistakes instead of dwelling on them
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Push themselves without being asked
Even if they are not the fastest or strongest, their work ethic influences others. Once a few teammates see someone giving everything, the effort around them improves. Work ethic spreads just as easily as negativity does.
During photoshoots, these athletes are always the ones who turn up focused, prepared and ready to participate. Their determination shows in their posture and expression. They naturally produce strong game face photos because they are familiar with pushing themselves and holding their focus.
4. They Support Others Without Seeking Attention
Some people lead loudly, but many great teammates lead quietly through consistent supportive behaviour. They are the ones who check on others, notice when someone is struggling and step in without needing praise.
This support can take many forms:
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Helping a teammate understand a new tactic
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Offering encouragement after a difficult moment
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Standing beside someone who looks nervous
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Including quieter teammates in conversations
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Sharing equipment or helping adjust kit
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Staying after training to help someone improve
These small behaviours have a powerful effect on team unity. They create safety, belonging and trust. Athletes who feel supported perform better and make stronger decisions, because they know they are not alone.
In our experience photographing teams, you can see these athletes in action almost instantly. They are the ones who help others fix their kit before a portrait, guide younger players into the right position and keep the atmosphere relaxed. Their kindness changes the energy of the session.
5. They Stay Coachable and Open to Learning
A great teammate listens. They respect the coach, stay open to instruction and never assume they know everything. Coachability is one of the most valuable traits in any athlete, because it keeps the team adaptable and unified.
Coachability appears in behaviours like:
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Accepting feedback without defensiveness
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Asking questions to improve
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Trying new methods or techniques
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Maintaining focus during team talks
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Encouraging others to listen as well
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Adjusting calmly when plans change
Even the most talented athletes lose value if they refuse to learn. Meanwhile, less naturally gifted teammates who stay open minded often progress faster. Their improvement inspires others, and their humility strengthens the team culture.
During photoshoots, coachable athletes absorb direction quickly. Their expressions sharpen easily, they adjust their stance without hesitation and they understand the importance of staying present. This makes their portraits stronger and more expressive.
Why These Qualities Matter More Than Talent
Talent gives a player an advantage, but teamwork decides whether the team succeeds. A group of skilled individuals without cohesion will always struggle against a group with unity, trust and shared purpose. The five traits on this list are the glue that holds teams together.
Great teammates create:
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Better communication across the field
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A safer emotional environment
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Stronger morale
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Higher work standards
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Faster problem solving
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Fewer mistakes
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More resilient performance
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A culture that attracts new players
When these behaviours show up consistently, skill becomes amplified. Everyone improves when the team is stable and supportive.
How Parents and Coaches Can Encourage These Traits
These qualities develop over time, and both parents and coaches can help shape them by creating an environment that rewards character as much as ability.
Encourage responsibility
Let athletes take ownership of equipment, warm ups, communication and organisation.
Praise effort and attitude
Celebrate behaviours, not just final results.
Model positive communication
Adults set the tone, so calm and respectful communication becomes the example that athletes follow.
Provide opportunities for leadership
Let different athletes lead warm ups, run drills or make decisions.
Highlight teamwork in feedback
Instead of praising a single athlete, recognise the way teammates supported each other.
When character is valued consistently, these qualities become second nature.
Conclusion
Great teammates are the heart of every successful team. They communicate clearly, bring positive energy, work hard, support others and stay coachable no matter what challenges arise. They may not always be the most talented or the most celebrated, but they create a foundation that every player benefits from. These athletes make teams stronger, more united and more enjoyable to be part of. Their impact goes far beyond the scoreboard, and it continues long after the match ends. These are the behaviours that build lifelong confidence, trust and meaningful sporting experiences.
