Team sports increase children's self-confidence, coordination and fitness, and help them learn to work together with other children or adults. But some children may not be talented for sports and may not like doing sports. Children who do not like sports tell their families directly or indirectly. What then?
Some Kids Don't Like Team Sports
Not all kids have to join any team. They can also stay fit with adequate amounts of other activities. But we should try to find out why your child is disinterested. You can help them uncover and address their deeper concerns.
Tell them you want to find a solution together. This could be continuing team sports by making some changes or finding a new activity to try.
Why Doesn't a Child Like Sports, What Should He Do?
Why doesn't a child who doesn't like sports like sports? What do we, parents, do? we can. Let's examine these.
1. Slow Development of Basic Skills
Although many sports programs are available for preschool children, until the age of 6-7, most children do not have sufficient physical abilities, attention spans, or understanding of the rules to participate in organized sports.
It may take time for children who have not practiced enough in a specific sport to complete skills such as hitting a football or throwing a volleyball while running. Trying and failing, especially during the game, makes them disappointed or angry.
What to Do?
You can practice with your child at home. Whether it's shooting a basketball, catching a basketball, or going for a brisk walk together, you're giving your child the opportunity to improve his skills and fitness in a safe environment. He may try new things without being conscious of being around his peers and fail again. At the same time, you will spend enough quality time together.
2. The Coach and the League Being Too Competitive
A child who is already doing sports hard may feel even more nervous when the coach shouts his/her wishes or is in a league based entirely on winning. A child who does sports forcibly becomes a child who does not like sports.
What Should Be Done?
Ç Research sports programs before enrolling your child. Talk to the coach and other parents about the philosophy of the sport. Some sports organizations have non-competitive leagues. In some programs, they don't even keep score.
As children get older, they can handle more competitive aspects such as keeping score and tracking wins and losses throughout the season. Although some children are motivated by competitive play, most children are only ready to handle the pressure around the age of 11-12. Even in more competitive leagues, the environment should be positive and supportive for all participants.
3. Stage Fright
Children who are not naturally talented at sports or who are a little shy feel uncomfortable with the pressure of being a part of the team. Children who are more self-conscious may worry about disappointing their families, coaches, and teammates. This is especially true if the child is still working on basic skills and the league is highly competitive.
What to Do?
Have realistic expectations. Most kids won't win medals at the Olympics. Explain to your child that the primary goal is to be healthy and have fun. If the coach or league disagrees, maybe it's time to look for something new.
4. Sports Research Takes a Long Time
Some children cannot find the sport that is right for them. Maybe a child who does not have the hand-eye coordination for volleyball has the body structure and strength to swim, run or ride a bike. The idea of doing individual sports may also be more attractive for a child who likes to work alone.
What to Do?
Be open to your child's interest in different sports and activities. In some cases, this may be difficult, for example, you may be a basketball lover and want that legacy to continue in your child. However, by giving them the opportunity to explore other options, you will also give your child the chance to find something they will truly enjoy.
5. Other Obstacles
Children mature at different rates, so children in the same age group are expected to have very different heights, weights, and athletic traits. Children who are larger or smaller than their peers—or those who are not as strong or less well-coordinated—may feel embarrassed. r and may not want to compete with them.
Also, children may be afraid of getting injured and not being able to continue. Overweight children may be reluctant to do sports. For example, a child with asthma feels more comfortable in sports that require short-term energy, such as volleyball, gymnastics, golf, football and short courses and non-competitive events in athletics.
What to do?
Your child's strengths. Realistically evaluate his/her abilities and temperament and find an activity that suits him/her. Some children are afraid of the ball, so they may not like volleyball; but may enjoy activities such as running. If he is overweight, he may not have enough endurance to run; but he may enjoy swimming. A child who is too young for basketball can do gymnastics or wrestling.
Keep in mind that some children will prefer individual performances over team sports. The aim is to prevent children from feeling frustrated, wanting to quit, and losing interest in all sports and physical activities. In short, it is to prevent there being a child who does not like sports.
Allow your children to express their concerns. By being understanding and providing them with a supportive environment, you will help them be successful in whatever activity they choose.
Non-Team Sports Fitness for the Child Who Doesn't Like Sports
The child who says he hates team sports and does not like sports, As their skills develop, they may learn to love team sports or find the right sport and league for them. However, if team sports do not excite your child at all, there are many things a child can do to achieve the recommended 60 minutes or more of physical activity per day.
Free games are very important for children who do not want to do team sports. What is free play? These are activities that they can do with their own vehicles, such as shooting with a basketball, riding a bicycle, jumping rope or dancing.
Individual sports and Free Games
- Swimming
- Horseback riding
- Dance lessons
- Skating
- Cycling
- Skateboarding
- Hiking
- Golf
- Tennis
- Fencing
- Gymnastics
- Martial arts
- Yoga and other fitness classes
- Frisbee
- Running
Supporting Your Child's Choices
Try to find an activity they will enjoy together, even if it is difficult. Try to be open-minded.
Choosing the right sport for your child can be a challenging process.
He may be interested in an activity that is not offered at school. For example, if your daughter wants to play football or ice hockey, help her find a local club or talk to school administrators about starting a new team.
If your child has a hard time making choices and gets stuck on one activity, you need to be patient. It usually takes many tries before they find what works best for them. But when things work out, you'll be glad for the time and effort you spent. Making an activity a habit for your child that he will do throughout his life is a big step, an important start.
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