π 10 sports for kids to try
The right sport is the one a child wants to go back to. Try a few. Here are ten, with what each is like, so you can match one to the child.
SoccerOurs
A team sport with lots of running and very little equipment: a ball and some space.
Swimming
A skill for life as well as a sport. Many towns have lessons and swim teams for every age.
BasketballOurs
Fast, played indoors or out, and a hoop on a driveway is a whole practice.
Baseball or softballOurs
Throwing, catching, batting and lots of teamwork. Tee-ball is the start for the youngest.
Gymnastics
Balance, strength and flips. Classes start for young children in many places.
Martial arts
Focus and respect as well as kicks and punches. Belts give a clear next goal.
Running and track
Just shoes. Races of every length, and field events like long jump too.
Tennis
A racket sport for one or two players, with smaller courts and softer balls for beginners.
Dance
Music, rhythm and movement, on a team or alone.
Flag footballOurs
Football with flags instead of tackling: running, catching and plays.
More sports lists
- 10 backyard games for kids with no equipmentTen backyard and playground games for kids that need nothing but space: freeze tag, sharks and minnows, capture the flag and more, with how to play.
- 10 things a great youth coach doesTen things the best volunteer youth coaches do: learn every name, keep everyone moving, give equal playing time, keep talks short, praise effort and end with a game.