Choosing the Right Sport for Your Child by Anthony Santino

Choosing the Right Sport for Your Child

by Anthony Santino

As any parent--any sensible person, for that matter--would know, all children are unique. Each young person has a different style, a different way of going about things, a different routine, and so on. That said, helping your child find the right sport for them can seem like a difficult decision, but there are ways to take some pressure off of yourself, as well as your kid, when undergoing this process. 

Introducing your child to multiple sports at a fairly young age is a great way to get them familiar with athletics. Now when I say this, I don't mean for you to have your son or daughter sign up for hours of sports activities multiple times a week at an early age like 2--nothing like that at all. I feel exposure to multiple sports in small doses at a young age could benefit any child because of one main principle involved: there is no pressure.

Pressure is a cruel word, and it has an even more tense air about it in the sports world. Sure, professional athletes, teaching professionals of any kind, competitive people of all ages can enjoy pressure a lot of times--it's a thrill to overcome when engaged in competition. However, putting so much pressure on a young child to perform well before they are potty trained? not such a good idea. Downsides of putting too much pressure on a young child in sports include built up resentment when they get older, mood swings, lack of appreciation for the beauty of a game, nervousness, and so much more (I know, I sound like the narrator on one of those medicine commercials, but the point I'm trying to make is imperative.)

Back to small doses. I recently finished reading Jimmy Connors' memoir, "The Outsider", and he more than once brings up how little he practiced tennis as a child. Connors was one of the best to have ever played the game of tennis; how was he so good if he practiced as little as 45 minutes a day, as he claims he did (which I believe to be true, for the record)? It's simple. His Mother and his Grandmother, who were two key figures in his development, made sure that he didn't burn out--they made sure he craved tennis. In his career as an adult professional, he would have matches that would last hours--sure. But as a kid, court time was limited--and for a purpose. By having Jimmy play less as a young boy, as well as having him play different, fun games on court to keep tennis fresh and enjoyable, Mama Connors developed a champion.

Of course here at Teddy Tennis, we're tennis people; it's our favorite game out there. But that doesn't mean we haven't played other sports; doesn't mean we don't appreciate other sports. I've played competitive baseball, basketball and soccer before dedicating myself to tennis. However, without trying different sports, I wouldn't have ever been sure which was my favorite. 

Before you brand your kid the next Jimmy Connors, the next Michael Jordan, the next David Beckham, or the next Derek Jeter, make sure you find out from THEM what they want to become. If they don't know right away, which is the most common situation, then let them sample as much as needed.

For more information on getting your child started in sports check out our website at www.teddytennisNY.com