What Are the Best Sports for Kids?
It is good for children to start playing sports when they are young. Athletics help to increase physical activity and give kids a chance to socialize. They help teach valuable life skills, such as teamwork and sportsmanship. Your choice should be guided by your child’s preferences as children are more likely to do well at a sport that holds their interests. However, if your child is interested in several different sports and is having difficulty choosing the correct one, here are a few suggestions.
Swimming
Swimming is a sport that involves a team effort while also emphasizing individual responsibility and achievement. It benefits your child physically by improving muscle strength and teaching breathing control. Even if your child doesn’t end up competing, learning to swim significantly reduces the risk of drowning, a leading cause of death in children under 14. On the other hand, if your child does take to competition, you may start asking, “Where can I find pool builders near me?”
Judo
Some parents fear that learning martial arts makes children violent. In fact, the opposite is true. The practice of martial arts involves self-discipline and finding alternatives to violence whenever possible. Children learn never to use their skills frivolously and only when faced with an inescapable threat. The word “judo” comes from the Japanese meaning “gentle way” and was designed specifically to eliminate dangerous techniques associated with other martial arts, making it an excellent sport for children to learn.
Tennis
It is never too early to help keep your child’s heart healthy. Tennis helps to improve cardiovascular health and muscle strength. It also helps to develop hand-eye coordination. Mentally, it helps children develop strategic thinking skills as they plan their moves and anticipate those of their opponents. Tennis players are among the most popular athletes in the world, but be sure you steer your child toward appropriate role models as some tennis players have a spotty record when it comes to sportsmanship.
Gymnastics
Gymnastics helps to develop flexibility and balance that can serve your child well throughout his or her life. Adults who are flexible and well-balanced are less likely to sustain serious injuries from falling. Gymnastics also helps to inspire confidence and fearlessness. Gymnasts learn to trust their bodies and commit to each move completely. By the way, while female gymnasts get more attention, it is a sport that both boys and girls can participate in.
Track and Field
There are so many different events under the umbrella of track and field that you are likely to find something that interests your child and matches his or her capabilities. Obviously, the track portion involves running races of various lengths, but field events include things such as javelin throw, shot put, long jump, high jump, and many other events that develop strength and agility.
Basketball
Basketball helps to develop agility, strength, and bodily control. It requires quick thinking and helps improve reflexes. It is a simple game requiring only a ball and a hoop to play, and the hoop can sometimes be improvised. If you have children who have trouble socializing with others, joining a basketball team may help them make new friends.
Bicycling
For many children, getting their own bike and learning to ride it is a rite of passage. Many children end up riding purely for recreation, which is still a good way for them to get exercise. However, there are many different types of cycling competitions for kids who are interested. Whether your children bike recreationally or competitively, they benefit from improved balance, coordination, and strength as well as learning road safety. Childhood obesity is on the rise, but bicycling is one of the best activities to help keep it in check.
Don’t be surprised if your child tries several sports before finding the one that he or she likes best. Be patient with the process and look for opportunities for children to try a sport to see if they like it before making a long-term commitment. A youth league may have some sort of workshop or open house to give kids a chance to test the game out.
