How to Choose the Right Sport for Your Child

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One of the biggest decisions parents have to make is what sport their child should play. With so many options available, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for them. Many factors should be considered when making this decision, and if you still have no clue where to start, keep reading this article for some useful advice.

girls doing boxing

Consider Their Abilities

Some children are naturally more athletic than others, but does your little one have any physical abilities that set them apart from the pack? Do they have good hand-eye coordination or are they particularly fast? If so, this can be a great foundation for success in a particular sport. Work with their strengths and you will likely see improvement very quickly. According to CoachingKidz, no matter what sport you decide on, it’s important to encourage your child to embrace who they are as an athlete. This way, they’ll be able to find their niche within sports and excel at it.

Recognize Your Child’s Interests

Is your daughter interested in dance or soccer? Does your son want to play baseball or basketball? In most cases, kids will naturally be drawn to the sports they enjoy the most. If you have no idea where to begin, encourage them to try one of each. This will help you figure out which sport they are most interested in. Another good way you can determine this is by watching your child play with their friends. If they are constantly playing a certain sport, they are likely interested in it. Also, If you notice that your child is rather playing by themselves, chances are that that team sports might not be the best choice for them, so let them try a more individualistic sport like some martial arts or gymnastics.

Consider Their Age

Generally, the best time to start a child in a particular sport is before they turn eight years old. This does not mean that children cannot be successful at any other age, but coaches prefer to work with younger athletes because it gives them more time to develop their skills. However, this does vary from one sport to another depending on how involved the game is. For example,  football and hockey require a little more physicality, so they generally start at a later age. On the other hand,  baseball, softball, and tennis are relatively lower contact sports that may be appropriate for children as young as five.

Check the Sports’ Commitment Level

Sports like football, baseball, and wrestling can be very time-consuming for kids. If you want your child to excel in one of these sports, they must practice frequently so that their skills stay sharp. Parents with kids who are involved in several extracurricular activities will have to decide if this is something they can handle or not because it could affect their performance in school as well as other activities. However, this does not mean that children cannot succeed in these sports if they aren’t able to dedicate hours each day to them. Just remember that having an organized practice schedule is necessary if your child wants to compete at a high level.

boy playing football

Choosing the right sport for your child can be a daunting task, but if you keep these things in mind, it will become considerably easier. Listen to your child’s interests, and consider all the abovementioned factors before making your final decision. With this advice, you’ll be sure to find the right recreational activity that might as well someday turn into a professional career.

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