Getting kids involved with team sports at a young age teaches them motor coordination and playing as a team with their peers. Some sports are much better activities for kids and are gentler than others. If you want to get your children involved in some easy sports at a younger age, try some of these tips and tricks for parents who want to get their children involved with relevant team sports.
In general, many urban areas have a sports association or YMCA which can direct parents to sports for their kids to participate in. Three sports stand out in my mind as being the best for younger children based upon the skills they teach, their non-contact nature and teaching physical coordination to your kids.
The U.S. Youth Soccer Association boasts a membership of over 4 million kids and soccer is the most popular sport in the United States. Soccer is also an easy sport on children and parents because there isn't any fancy equipment involved—all you need is a ball and shoes. No bats or helmets to buy. Instead you just get involved with a league and you're set.
Soccer is a great way to learn coordination between your eyes and legs while spending time with other children. Boys and girls both can enjoy soccer at younger ages since they are both around the same sizes and the sport is slow-paced enough for everyone to get involved.
Basketball
Basketball is another sport widely played which doesn't need much equipment or extra expenses. All you need is a ball and some sneakers. When you sign your kids up for a league the facilities are already taken care of. Even if you practice at home you don't necessarily need a hoop—you can create one on your own so your child can practice passing and shooting.
Basketball helps develop vision and muscle coordination in the upper body. Running up and down a court also helps develop the lungs and heart.
Volleyball
Volleyball is a great sport as it does not require as much non-stop physical exertion as soccer or basketball. Consider volleyball as an athletic outlet if your kids have asthma as they can start and stop frequently and take breaks if they need to.
Volleyball teaches hand-eye coordination and develops strong arms. It also fosters a sense of camaraderie as players try to get the ball over the net. Of course, younger players will have lower nets and practicing at home is easy when all you have is a ball.
The great thing about all of these sports is they are popular enough to be in just about any urban area. In warmer climates these sports may be played year-round as well as indoors and outdoors. Soccer, basketball and volleyball are also fantastic in that they can be practiced at home readily.
Try some suggestions on the PBS website for getting your kids involved in all kinds of sports. Boys and girls both enjoy the three of these sports together so there can be both boys and girls on teams.