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| Preschool Sports |
| At what age do we introduce our children to sports? This page is geared towards those children ages 3 to 5 years old. Here are some suggestions and some web sites to help you help your child have a happy and successful childhood. |
Coach Mike's Tips for Parents of Preschoolers
1. Involve your child in activities, such as throwing, kicking, running, etc.
These will help them develop motor skills that they will need when it is time to get involved with
sports.
2. Check with your city hall or YMCA, etc. for preschool sports programs.
Many cities have programs for preschool age children such as kickball, t-ball, soccer, and even
gymnastics. Most of these programs are geared entirely on teaching the basic skills needed for the
sport. Usually score is not kept. There is no pressure to "win." Parents: keep it that way!
3. Give your child the opportunity to try different sports or games!
This applies to all ages. The younger children obviously don't know much about different sports.
Let them try a couple of different programs, not just the sports you like. This will give them a chance
to see what sports they like as well as an opportunity to discover what skills they are better at.
4. Let the kids have FUN!
You would think that this one is a no-brainer. Wrong! While many parents are able to sit back and
let the kids enjoy the activities, there are always a few that have a college scholarship in mind for
their four year old. If you are the coach, teach the children the basic skill or rules then step back and
let them do it. If your son or daughter doesn't hit a home run the first time up to bat, that's okay. It
really is. Don't be too quick to correct their every swing or throw or whatever. Most kids pick things
up rather quickly when they are having fun. There will be plenty of time to fine tune their skills later.
Right now we just want to let them learn how to do the basics.
1. Involve your child in activities, such as throwing, kicking, running, etc.
These will help them develop motor skills that they will need when it is time to get involved with
sports.
2. Check with your city hall or YMCA, etc. for preschool sports programs.
Many cities have programs for preschool age children such as kickball, t-ball, soccer, and even
gymnastics. Most of these programs are geared entirely on teaching the basic skills needed for the
sport. Usually score is not kept. There is no pressure to "win." Parents: keep it that way!
3. Give your child the opportunity to try different sports or games!
This applies to all ages. The younger children obviously don't know much about different sports.
Let them try a couple of different programs, not just the sports you like. This will give them a chance
to see what sports they like as well as an opportunity to discover what skills they are better at.
4. Let the kids have FUN!
You would think that this one is a no-brainer. Wrong! While many parents are able to sit back and
let the kids enjoy the activities, there are always a few that have a college scholarship in mind for
their four year old. If you are the coach, teach the children the basic skill or rules then step back and
let them do it. If your son or daughter doesn't hit a home run the first time up to bat, that's okay. It
really is. Don't be too quick to correct their every swing or throw or whatever. Most kids pick things
up rather quickly when they are having fun. There will be plenty of time to fine tune their skills later.
Right now we just want to let them learn how to do the basics.
| Web Site Links For Preschool Sports and Activities |
If you run across a great web site relating to preschool age sports activities or
education, let me know so I can add it to the list. Send an email to
coachmike@kidznsports.com.
education, let me know so I can add it to the list. Send an email to
coachmike@kidznsports.com.