Benefits of Youth Sports for Kids

Whether it is T-ball on a Saturday morning, swim team in the summer or a middle school volleyball league, organized sports can be one of the best parts of growing up. The benefits go far beyond fitness. Kids who play learn how to work with others, handle disappointment and stick with something hard. The key is finding the right fit for your child and keeping the focus on fun.

Benefits for the body

Most children need at least an hour of physical activity every day, according to MedlinePlus on exercise for children. Sports are an easy way to get a big part of that hour, and the habits often carry into adulthood. Regular activity helps children:

• Build stronger bones and muscles
• Develop coordination, balance and body control
• Keep a healthy heart and lungs
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Sleep better at night

Active kids also tend to spend less time on screens, simply because practice and games take up some of that time.

Benefits for the mind and mood

Physical activity is good for mental health. Many children feel calmer and happier after moving their bodies, and regular exercise can help with stress and low mood. Sports can also help kids:

• Build confidence. Learning a new skill, like dribbling with the weak hand or finishing a race, shows a child that practice pays off.
• Handle setbacks. Losing a game, striking out or not making a team are safe, small ways to learn that disappointment passes.
• Focus. Following plays, keeping score and paying attention to a coach all practice attention skills.
• Manage time. Older kids who juggle school and practice often get better at planning their week.

Benefits for friendships and character

A team gives kids a ready-made group of friends with something in common. They learn to share the ball, cheer for each other, and respect coaches, referees and the other team. They see that every role matters, not just the player who scores. For a shy child, a team can be an easier way to connect than a crowded lunch table.

Individual sports like swimming, tennis, martial arts and running teach many of the same lessons. Kids still belong to a club or group, and they learn to set personal goals and track their own progress.

Choosing the right sport

There is no single best sport. The right one is the one your child enjoys and will keep doing. A few things to consider:

Age and readiness

Young children, roughly under 6, usually do best with free play and simple skills like running, throwing, catching, kicking and swimming. Rules and team strategy are hard to follow at this age. Around 6 to 9, many kids are ready for simple team sports with short games and lots of turns. By 10 to 12, most children can handle more complex rules and plays.

Your child's personality

• A social child may love a team sport.
• A child who dislikes being the center of attention may prefer a sport where mistakes are less public, like swimming or running.
• A child who loves structure might enjoy martial arts or gymnastics.

Family practicalities

Think about cost, travel, practice times and how many nights a week the family can give. A sport that fits your schedule is more likely to last. In San Antonio's long, hot summers, indoor and water sports can be easier on everyone.

Let your child try several activities. It is normal for kids to sample a few before they find one they love.

Avoiding burnout and early specialization

Some families feel pressure to pick one sport early and play it all year, often with travel teams and private lessons. For most children, that is not the best path. Pediatric groups, including the AAP, encourage kids to play a variety of sports and to wait until later in the teen years to focus on just one. Playing several sports:

• Builds a wider range of movement skills
• Gives overworked muscles and joints a break
• Keeps the experience fresh and lowers the chance a child quits out of boredom or stress

Watch for signs of burnout: a child who used to love their sport now dreads practice, complains of being tired, has more aches and pains, or their grades and mood slip. A season off or a switch to a new activity can help.

Keeping it fun

Ask most kids why they play, and they will say it is because it is fun and their friends are there. Ask why they quit, and many will say it stopped being fun. Parents have a big role here:

• After a game, ask "Did you have fun?" before you ask about the score.
• Praise effort, teamwork and improvement, not just winning.
• Cheer for the whole team and stay positive with referees and coaches.
• Leave the coaching to the coach during games.
• Let your child have a say in which sports they play and when they want to take a break.

Look for coaches and programs that give every child playing time at younger ages and value learning over winning.

Before the season starts

Most leagues and schools ask for a sports physical before the season. It is a good chance to review any health conditions, such as asthma or allergies, and make a plan for them during play. Children with ongoing health conditions can usually still enjoy sports with some planning. The AAP's sports section on HealthyChildren.org has more ideas for families.

When to call us

Call your A thru Z Pediatrics office if you are unsure whether your child is ready for a sport, if they have a health condition that needs a plan for practice and games, or if they seem stressed, anxious or unusually tired from their sports schedule. We are also glad to talk through signs of burnout.

Call 911 or go to the ER if your child faints or collapses during exercise, has chest pain or trouble breathing during activity, or has a serious injury on the field.

Need a sports physical or a check-in? Request a visit.