Playing sports is useful at any age, and instilling a healthy lifestyle should be laid down in the family from birth. It is important not to forget that parents are the best example for growing children! Which sections are best to choose? Of course, those that fully meet the character and interests of the child.
Swimming
One of the most useful sports. The age of a child at which you can start training is 3-4 years. Swimming develops not only muscles, but also endurance, speed, and coordination. Has a beneficial effect on the respiratory system. Swimming has a relaxing effect on the body, as it has properties similar to massage. Another effect is hardening: undoubtedly a useful quality for the harsh Russian winters. Sports are quite accessible to people of low income.
Read an interview with an international master of sports in swimming
Golf
More recently, golf has begun to gain momentum in our country. A sports game open to all ages. You can start playing golf from the age of 5-7 years. This game combines the skills of tactics, concentration and physical development. Develops patience, tact, and the ability to think strategically. Golf is widespread in the business environment as an element of communication. A game with minimal trauma and constant exposure to nature, which is very useful for the overall health of the body.
Table tennis
People start playing sports from the age of 5-6. The game develops speed qualities: reaction, dexterity. Improves endurance and coordination. People who play table tennis often have the ability to make decisions instantly. Children learn tactical thinking. This sport is characterized by a low probability of injury. Sports are inexpensive and quite accessible.
Tennis
Tennis is often called an “elite sport” because training is quite expensive, namely court rental. If you have the means, then feel free to involve your child in this sport. From the age of 5, a child is already ready to learn the basics of training. Tennis develops speed, agility, and reaction speed. Tennis players have very strong arms and shoulders. The sport has an average level of injury.
Read an interview with a master of sports in tennis
Wakeboarding: conquering the waves
After reading the name of this sport, you probably thought that it had something in common with snowboarding. That’s right, essentially it’s a snowboard on the water. This sport is based on the principle of water skiing, as well as elements of skateboarding, snowboarding and surfing. This sport appeared less than ten years ago, but has already become quite popular.
Let us note that wakeboarding is a fashionable, exciting, somewhat extreme, but quite safe activity if it is supervised by an experienced trainer. There is also a downside to this sport - the high cost of classes at a vocational school, since you need to pay for the rental of a special pool and equipment. For example, in Moscow a subscription for 4 months of classes costs 59 thousand rubles.
What does wakeboarding look like? The boat tows an athlete who stands on a wakeboard - a special wide board. The approximate speed of the boat is 40 km per hour, while small springboards are formed on the waves, which the athlete must overcome. Wakeboarding is recommended for children 11 years and older, but only for those who are good swimmers.
Acrobatics
Acrobatics by Jonathan Frantini
Very beautiful sport. Children can be brought to training from the age of 4. Excellently develops muscles (mainly the upper shoulder girdle). Requires great strength and dexterity. Acrobatics classes instill discipline, excellent endurance, and tolerance in people. Unfortunately, many are afraid to send their children to this sport because of its increased injury rate. This is not a big deal if the coach is highly qualified.
Romantic sailing
Sailing is racing on sports vessels, most often on keel yachts or dinghies. This activity is for little romantics, sentimental and emotional children who have been interested in the water element since childhood.
You can find such a section in almost every city where there are large bodies of water. To begin with, the child will learn what classes of ships there are and how to operate each of them, and then learn to apply the acquired knowledge in practice. Sailing cannot be called dangerous, although there is a certain risk.
“I’ve been in sailing since I was 12 years old, but I only entered my first independent regatta when I was 14, and I don’t think I’m a little kid anymore, but I was so afraid. Steering a boat is not so easy, one wrong move and you're in the water. You are faced with an eternal choice: correct and safe tactics or high speed. Competent and experienced yachtsmen know how to masterfully combine this,” young athlete Alexey Gavrilov from the Moscow Region Yacht Club shares his impressions.
The young man came to this sport thanks to his father, who is already “sailing” professionally. By the way, as the young yachtsman notes, the continuity of generations is developed in this sport; father-athletes often take very young sons to their training, and they simply cannot help but fall in love with such a beautiful and courageous sport.
Dancing
Of course, a wonderful sport for people of any age. Children are brought from 3 years old. Thanks to dancing, a person becomes graceful, “light”, and flexible. For girls, dancing is one of the best activities in life. Beauty, posture, endurance - qualities that will remain with your child for life. Dancing is a completely affordable type of activity that does not require special investments, unless, of course, it is related to competitions or championships. The ability to dance will be useful in many life situations.
What children's sport should I send my child to in winter?
Winter disciplines are good for health. When enrolling your child, you need to take into account that daily training takes place outdoors. This is a big burden on breathing and heart. Therefore, you should undergo an examination in advance.
Snowboard
Popular among both adults and teenagers aged 14-16 years. Riding on a board hardens the young body and strengthens the immune system. Develops agility, endurance and coordination of movements. Snowboarding improves the psychological mood of children. Exercising results in a large number of calorie reductions. The main condition for an athlete is strong legs.
You have to exercise in the fresh air during the cold season. Warm and comfortable clothing is required. The Stayer online store offers a wide selection of products. Men's and women's snowboarding and ski suits fully comply with the standards and requirements for sportswear. Effective protection from snow, wind and moisture is provided by wear-resistant membrane material, which is impregnated with a special composition. Ideal indicators of wind and moisture protection (20,000 mm/sq.cm), vapor permeability (15,000 g/sq.m/24 hours), together with the memory effect, create the freedom of movement necessary for an athlete.
Skates
Figure skating is a lot of work. It is advisable to stand on ice as early as 3 years old. The training process is quite intense at the beginning. You have to work out a lot, morning and evening. The work is very rewarding. A sports child becomes more resilient, disciplined, strong, and dexterous. Girls become slim and graceful.
Skis
Professionals recommend conducting the first classes at three years of age. First they teach you how to stand and ride correctly. At first, light loads are planned, a few hours a day.
Ski training takes place constantly in the fresh air, which increases the body’s immunity and resistance to viral diseases. Breathing is formed correctly, all muscles work, and the abs are strengthened.
Parents are advised to train their children themselves. To do this, you need to choose a suitable route. You should start with movement techniques, gradually increasing lessons in time and distance.
Skiing brings positive emotions and takes place during the cold season. To stay warm while walking with your child, wear a warm and practical down jacket. The Stayer online store provides a large selection of overalls and jackets. Advantages:
- Completely safe fabric does not contain chemical elements that are harmful to health.
- All zippers and seams are well taped.
- The jackets are practical and wear-resistant. Actively worn for at least 5 years.
- Unusual, bright, original and stylish design meets the requirements of world fashion and is not inferior to Western brands. Compared to Descente, prices are low, on average from 10,000 rubles.
- Our team at the Olympics in South Korea competed in equipment from the Stayer brand.
Cycling
Cycling or otherwise cycling is perhaps the most favorite sport among children. In all the courtyards, kids are riding around on bicycles. Cycling is recommended from 3-4 years of age. Professional involvement in sports allows you to develop endurance, leg strength, and coordination. Teaches the child to correctly distribute power and make strategic decisions. It has a great effect on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Sports require one-time investments related to the purchase of a bicycle and equipment. It is a safe sport.
Walking
Sports are aimed at developing endurance and patience. As a rule, people switch to walking from other athletics areas. This is a very useful sport for children, but still it will not satisfy the child’s needs. Positively affects the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. A sport that requires virtually no investment. Perfect for the whole family.
Summer sports for children of all ages
Physical education classes make preschoolers healthy and strong. They cultivate important character traits - endurance, discipline, responsibility. Not every parent knows exactly how to choose the appropriate section. You need to take into account the baby’s interests, health status, and what he likes best. Will there be enough time for training, how will he withstand the load.
Swimming
You can start from 3 years old. The muscles are strengthened, the body is tempered, the lungs develop, and correct posture is developed. Positively affects growth. At first, the body will undergo adaptation. Frequent colds may appear, but with time everything will pass. Suitable for many children. Not recommended for those who have allergies and heart problems. Doctors recommend regular visits to the pool after injuries and surgeries to restore the body. Water relieves negative tension, so the baby becomes less irritable and capricious. A good appetite appears. The only drawback is chlorinated water, which often causes skin diseases.
Athletics
Develops strength, flexibility, endurance. You can train from the age of 10. Contraindicated for heart and breathing problems. Schools offer several disciplines:
- run;
- long jump, high jump, pole jump;
- walking;
- throwing;
- all-around
The choice should be made based on the interests and capabilities of the child. Body structure and heredity are of great importance. It is better to do jumping if you are tall. In running, on the contrary, there should be smaller, shorter athletes.
Gymnastics
This is the most famous sport for children over 5 years old. Children are more plastic and flexible. From childhood, girls develop good posture. It is worth considering the large impact on the spine. This will negatively affect the growth of the future athlete. Contraindicated in patients with bronchial asthma.
Varieties:
- Sports. Gymnastic apparatus, jumping.
- Artistic. A variety of dance movements to music with an object - a hoop, ribbon, ball, clubs.
Tennis
Exercises where all muscles are involved. Most experts think that you should start practicing when your baby can handle the racket well. The right time for classes is 4 years. Children develop their grip and improve coordination. All this has a positive effect on health. The game is good for those who have vision problems. Constant attention is focused on the ball, which has a positive effect on the eyes. Suitable for active and active boys and girls.
Martial arts
Many dads prefer wrestling for their children. In this form, a child can play sports from the age of 7.
Martial arts groups:
- sambo;
- boxing;
- freestyle wrestling;
- karate;
- sumo;
- Wushu;
- taekwondo.
The main advantages are the development of movement, endurance, and quick reaction. Such qualities will be useful in life for self-defense. They help to throw out excess energy, aggression, and emotions. Not only boys but also girls take part.
Team games
Well suited for active and active children. They will help you cope with shyness and isolation. In the process, the lungs develop and the muscles of the legs and arms become stronger. Communication makes the team united and friendly. Leadership qualities are being developed. Together, defeats are endured more easily and victories are celebrated with greater joy.
There are contraindications: flat feet, asthma, peptic ulcers, spinal diseases.
Varieties:
- Football. Helps develop endurance and strength. It is easier for preschoolers to learn from 6-7 years old.
- Volleyball. During the game, attentiveness, coordination, and accuracy are developed. Requires great activity, strength and endurance.
- Hockey. Passes in fast motion throughout the game. It has a good effect on the muscles of the arms and legs. The downside is that you can get seriously injured if you don't follow the safety rules.
- Basketball. An exciting game for energetic people. All muscles and the musculoskeletal system are strengthened.
Horse polo
A team sport, it helps in improving eye skills, accuracy, and strengthens the muscles of the shoulder girdle and legs. Teaches how to interact with animals. A great opportunity to instill in your child a sense of responsibility and teach teamwork. You can play sports from 10-12 years old. A lot of time will be spent learning to ride horses. Horse polo requires compliance with certain safety regulations. This sport is quite expensive.
Read the interview with the director of the Moscow Polo Club
Is it possible for a child to exercise only for physical activity?
You can’t play sports, just for physical capabilities! They engage in sports only to achieve sports results, nothing else is provided. Modern sport is on the verge of human capabilities. Therefore, there are overloads, overtraining, all deviations of the vascular system and other organs. Absolutely healthy children should go in for sports; there is no other option.
Everyone else should engage in recreational physical education. It is useful for the sick and healthy. There is no need to compare sports and physical education.
Fencing
Fencing is a combat with one of the types of bladed weapons: rapier, saber or sword. Fencing classes develop in a child speed, endurance, agility, strength, reaction, self-control, and the ability to make instant decisions and actions in any situation. You can practice from 6-8 years old, not earlier. Fencing contributes to the development of not only physical qualities, but also intellectual and tactical ones. This hobby will be very interesting for your child. Fencing is a low-injury sport. It may be useful in the future, even if it does not become a profession. Fencing experience is in high demand in the film industry.
General recommendations for playing sports for children
When choosing a section, you need to consider the following:
- You shouldn't be forced to do it.
- The physical qualities of your preschooler correspond to the chosen sport: if the child is short, you should not sign up for volleyball or basketball.
- Those who are sociable and active will be interested in team games. Running, jumping, football are suitable for them, swimming and gymnastics are suitable for shy people.
- Evaluate the professionalism of the trainer. He will always find a common language with children and organize comfortable conditions for their development. Chat with him in advance. See how the lesson goes. Assess his teaching abilities.
- Some groups require expenses for costumes and travel to competitions.
Success depends on character:
- Sanguines. Leaders, alpine skiing, snowboarding, and skateboarding are suitable for them.
- Cholerics. Temperamental children. They will excel in boxing and wrestling.
- Phlegmatic people. Stubborn and calm. It is better for such people to go to checkers, darts, bowling, and dancing.
- Melancholic people. They show vulnerability and will be upset by any failure. Shooting and dancing will help you cope with this.
Once you have decided, consult your pediatrician.
The doctor will explain which groups are contraindicated and which ones you can exercise in. In the article we talked about children in sports and gave advice on how to choose a section for your child.
Kung Fu (Kung Fu, Gong Fu, Wushu)
Historically it appeared as martial gymnastics. Nowadays it is a full-fledged form among martial arts. Develops agility, endurance, reaction, strength. Allows you to instantly make decisions in combat conditions. It is better to send children to kung fu from the age of 3-4 years. At an early age, the child will be able to achieve unparalleled stretching without any painful exercises. Kung fu is not only a sport, but also a philosophy. If training is aimed not only at physical development, but also at spiritual development, then the child will learn kindness and the concepts of justice.
Will attending sports clubs affect a child’s health if they have flat feet?
First of all, you need to physically strengthen the child. Physical training is the basis for further achievements in life. Of course, if the child likes to study, then let him go. But you also need to strengthen the arches of your feet, then everything will be fine. Address the child’s complaints; if there are none, then let him deal with them.
Child fishing
Chess
Chess is a very ancient game, only recently recognized as a sport. This is a highly intellectual activity. Allows you to develop your child's strategy and tactics skills. Improves memory and attention. Children from 3-4 years old can be enrolled in the chess section. People who have ever played chess are, as a rule, very smart and erudite. Chess lessons are always a good help in other physical sports. Also pay attention to the ancient oriental game Go, which is often compared to chess.
Aeromodelling is a sport for the “lazy”
For children who are diligent, calm in temperament and smart beyond their years, aircraft modeling is suitable. This is something between a sport and an entertaining hobby that is more suitable for boys. If your child loves construction sets and periodically strives to disassemble household appliances or repair an old tape recorder, then this is his option. Technical skills are what aeromodeling develops in the first place.
Even reserved and modest children will be able to find friends in such a section. Aircraft modeling is an activity for little “intellectuals”, attentive and focused children.
Are you already interested in one of the listed sports? Which one would you choose for your baby?
If the choice has not yet been made, we recommend reading the second part of our article about unusual sports for children.
Squash
An excellent choice for your child. This is a sport for the whole family. You can practice it from a very young age, as soon as the child can hold a racket. Squash is somewhat similar to tennis, but is a more active and challenging version of it. Squash helps develop speed, instant reaction, and tactics. Endurance, agility, and strength increase. Squash is a great way to have fun. A very fun and active sports game.
Gym helps prepare for big sports
Children are not recommended to start their classes at the gym. The children's category has its own age-specific activities, such as fitness. If we talk about teenagers, this topic is relevant. Strength training is good for a teenager, but you need to understand at what age you need to send your child to the section, what you want from him. If you send your child to the weightlifting or powerlifting section, then age restrictions are strictly required. Around 15 - 16 years old, understand that these are injuries, work, results.
Child plays football
If you want your child to improve health, exercise, discipline, or do something busy, then this could be some kind of commercial organization, special groups for teenagers. Which are practiced in groups, under the guidance of an instructor. In these groups, the amount of strength exercises is minimized - adapted as much as possible for teenagers. The emphasis will be on GPP (general physical fitness). This will be a minimal set of strength exercises, mostly with your own body weight. But the exercises will be carried out in the gym, perhaps for boys, this will be important.
Skiing
Skiing should not be practiced earlier than 8-10 years of age. This is a very exciting activity. Sports for adrenaline lovers. Skiing is the key to excellent health. Fresh, oxygen-rich air strengthens overall health, immunity, and increases the body's resistance. Helps develop endurance, strength, reaction and excellent attention. This is the best choice for your child's health. Sports are often associated with injuries.
Playing any sport will benefit your child, even if the chosen direction is not very suitable for him. After all, sport is not only the development of physical qualities, but also an opportunity to expand your horizons, find friends, and make useful acquaintances.
Text: Alexander Bor
Training system for children in sports
When choosing activities, take into account the abilities and capabilities of the baby. Only the coach will see his physical data and prospects. Training programs for each year are carried out separately and gradually. Do not overload the child's body - this will lead to injury. The chosen discipline will not always interest you or suit your child’s temperament. Some people are interested in wrestling, boxing, karate, while others are interested in gymnastics, checkers, chess. Experts will help you make your choice.
Good results are achieved by those who treat their hobby with love, with a great desire to train. It happens that a child refuses to attend lessons. Whims and irritability appear. It may be better to reduce the number of loads. The coach must adjust and shorten lessons. Consider the character and behavior of the young athlete. It is necessary to give rest - holidays, weekends.
