Regular physical activity plays an important role in the growth and development of our youth. It allows them to build strong bones, enhance cardiovascular fitness, improve mental health, and control weight.
That’s why the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends children and adolescents ages 6 through 17 be physically active for at least 60 minutes daily. Not only that, but those 60 minutes should include a combination of aerobic, muscle-strengthening, and bone-strengthening exercises.
There’s one little problem here…
Less than 25% of children ages 6 through 17 meet those recommendations – and a lot of it has to do with the lack of interest kids have in team sports. While that’s not necessarily an issue in and of itself, it’s important for parents to help their children find a healthy alternative.
The first thing is to understand why children are losing interest in team sports…
Kids Are Losing Interest in Team Sports – Here’s Why!
When we say team sports, we’re talking about baseball, basketball, football, volleyball, softball, soccer, lacrosse – you get the idea. They’re a go-to solution for parents, but that doesn’t mean they always work.
The truth is team sports aren’t for everyone.
In fact, they could do more harm than good – especially when forced.
Of course, that’s what we want to avoid.
Maintaining regular physical activity should come naturally to the child. It shouldn’t be seen as a chore or a nuisance, but that’s exactly what it feels like for the strong majority of children and adolescents today.
Here are five of the most prominent reasons why.
5. Don’t Have the Skills or Talent
There’s talent (a natural ability to do something well) and skills (an ability acquired through practice and training). When it comes to team sports, some children have both, some only have one, and some have neither.
Not having the skill, talent, or both can turn your child off from team sports. Practice can help and is certainly encouraged, but many kids grow frustrated if they continue to fail without seeing any positive results.
If your child is under the age of 7, it’s possible they just need more time. Most kids won’t have the skill, attention span, interest, or a good enough understanding of the rules until they reach first/second grade.
4. Team Sports Are Too Competitive
It’s possible that your child doesn’t like the competitiveness that comes with most organized team sports – especially if they’re already reluctant to join. The added pressure and expectations might be too much.
Don’t worry – this is normal and is actually quite easy to fix. Most team sports in your area will have a variety of leagues to choose from – some of which are competitive, and some of which are recreational.
A recreational league won’t come with high expectations and will allow your child to have fun playing a sport they enjoy – but without the added stress and anxiety. Plus, they’ll meet a lot of new friends!
3. Too Shy or Self-Conscious
I was always a shy kid growing up, and one of the things I disliked about team sports was how nervous I got when everyone was watching me. While I managed to get over these nerves, not every child can.
If your child is struggling to overcome the anxiety, there’s really no point in continuing to force your child out there. In fact, it’s the perfect sign that it’s time to try something different – something they’ll enjoy.
And if your child enjoys the sport but still gets nervous, let them know you’ll be proud of them no matter how they perform. At the end of the day, the most important thing is to have fun and get some exercise.
2. Haven’t Found the Right Sport
There are more than 8,000 known sports around the world, according to the World Sports Encyclopaedia That number is more than two decades old, but it gives you an idea of just how many sports there are.
With that said, it’s possible your child hasn’t found the right team sport – for example, I never enjoyed playing team basketball, but I absolutely loved playing team soccer, so I stuck with my preference.
It might take some trial and error, and it might require you (the parent) to set aside your personal feelings or preferences, but take the time, energy, and effort to find the sport your child is passionate about.
1. Health or Medical Conditions
In the United States, more than 40% of school-aged children and adolescents have at least one chronic health condition – according to the CDC. Some of these conditions can make it difficult to play sports.
Take asthma, for example. More than four million children are living with asthma, and, while it won’t always restrict them from playing sports, it will take an extra level of precaution and supervision.
Of course, there is a such thing as not having the right traits. We don’t like to admit it, but children who aren’t as tall or strong might have a harder time finding success in team sports – though not always true.
Individual Sports & Activities Your Child Might Enjoy
Team sports might not be of any interest to your child, but that doesn’t mean you should give up on sports altogether – at least not yet. You might have to get creative, but there’s something out there for everyone!
First off, there are ways to enjoy team sports without the team. For example, I was never a fan of playing organized basketball when I was in middle or high school. I tried it for a few years, but it wasn’t something I enjoyed. I did, however, enjoy shootarounds at the park and 3-on-3s with my friends and siblings.
In a way, you can individualize just about any team sport.
If that doesn’t do the trick, then it’s time to explore other options – which is okay! With thousands of individual and team sports being played every single day in countries across the world, you and your child have plenty to choose from. Plus, it’ll give you an opportunity to grow closer to your child by going on this journey with them.
With that said, let’s take a look at some of the most popular individual sports and activities that your child might enjoy – some of which you can enjoy together!
10. Golf
Golf is one of the most popular individual sports in the world. It’s one of those sports that can be enjoyed by anyone – no matter how old you are or what your skill level is – and is also a great form of exercise.
There are multiple ways to play. The driving range is an excellent way to improve your swing, the golf course is where you put your skills to the test, and the backyard is where you fine-tune your game.
Some of my favorite weekends growing up were spent with my father on the golf course. I was never good at it, but it’s always a great time, and it keeps you outdoors – for several hours, might I add!
9. Tennis
Tennis is hard to play by yourself – though not impossible – and is an excellent option for anyone who wants the thrill of competition, but the pressure of being by yourself (if it’s a singles match, of course).
Doubles matches add a bit of a team element to the sport, but not so much that your child is overwhelmed or anxious. If anything, they’ll grow incredibly close with their partner and gain a best friend for life.
Tennis is also much more physically demanding than golf – which is rather relaxed and mostly involves walking. While tennis is primarily an aerobic exercise, it also gives the rest of your child’s body a workout.
8. Pickleball
Pickleball is a rather new sport, but it’s currently taking the world by storm – and is garnering a lot of attention from the younger generation. There’s no better time to get your child involved than right now!
The game was originally invented in the mid-1960s, but it wasn’t until the 2000s that it started growing in popularity. Today, there are nearly 12,000 pickleball courts in the US and more than nine million players.
Who knows, maybe your child is the next great pickleball player! Like tennis, there are both singles and doubles matches, and it can be enjoyed by anyone – meaning parents can play along with their children!
7. Track & Field
One of the things that makes track and field such an attractive option for kids is how versatile it is. With several dozen different events to choose from, there truly is an event for everyone – including your child!
Some of the most popular events include sprints (100m, 200m), middle-distance races (400m, 800m), long-distance races, high jump, long jump, triple jump, pole vault, relays, hurdles, shotput, and discus.
While there is a team element to track and field, it’s often secondary to the individual performances – which is what many students like about it. And since teams are usually huge, they’ll meet a lot of people!
6. Skiing & Snowboarding
Most kids like to stay indoors during the winter season, but physical activity is needed year-round – you can’t bargain with it! Tubing and sledding are fun, but there’s nothing quite like snowboarding and skiing.
It’s more challenging and more physically demanding – which is exactly what we’re going for here! Of course, there is a bit of danger involved, so it’s important to monitor your child and help them practice.
One of the more exciting benefits of snowboarding and skiing is the environments your child will get to experience. Being surrounded by nothing but white mountains and blue skies is therapeutic, in a way!
5. Figure Skating
Sticking with the winter theme, your child might be more adept on ice skates – rather than skis or a snowboard. If that’s the case, then figure skating might be a more enjoyable route for them to take.
Like tennis and pickleball, figure skating has a singles, doubles, and team element – allowing your child to be as independent or team-focused as they want. It’s also as competitive or non-competitive as needed.
Figure skating can also open the door to a wide range of other activities – such as rollerblading in the summer, ice hockey, or speed skating. Who knows, maybe they’ll be the next Disney On Ice superstar.
4. Cycling
Most of us remember learning how to ride a bicycle for the first time, but the strong majority of us never got competitive with it – whether that meant competing in races or competing against our own records.
In terms of physical activity, cycling is one of the best. It helps improve coordination, balance, heart health, independence, self-confidence, leg strength, and stamina. It also tests a child’s resilience.
One of the things I always enjoyed about bike rides as a child was how relaxing it was – it gave me some time to think and clear my head, while also helping me reach that 60-minute CDC recommendation.
3. Swimming
I know what you’re thinking, but yes – swimming is a sport. While it’s certainly something most children do for fun, they can take it a step further by working on their technique (and form) and entering competitions.
Like track and field, there are a number of unique events in a swimming meet – including the butterfly, freestyle, breaststroke, and backstroke – as well as different distances and four-person relay races.
While swimmers generally race as individuals, their scores are also counted as a team. That means your child gets the best of both worlds – a sense of individual accomplishment and a real shot at team glory.
2. Horseback Riding
Many people don’t consider horseback riding a sport, but it’s actually one of the oldest sports in the world. Also known as equestrianism, horse riding involves the disciplines of riding, vaulting, and driving.
It might not seem like a physically demanding sport, but it is. In fact, sitting on the saddle requires strong leg, core, and back muscles, while directing the horse requires a strong mental and emotional connection.
Not only that, but horseback riding can lead to a wide range of other hobbies, sports, and activities that your child might fall in love with – they could be the next great jockey or polo player – yes, polo still exists.
1. Skateboarding
And last but not least, we have skateboarding. Some parents might be reluctant to buy their kids a skateboard, which is understandable – it’s often associated with dangerous tricks and frequent injuries.
With that said, it does teach your child toughness, resilience, and the importance of never giving up – we’ve all seen those videos where skateboarders try something 100 times before finally succeeding.
If your child is showing an interest in skateboarding, we recommend teaching them that they can have fun and be safe at the same time. You should also double-check that they’re hanging with the right crowd.
Other Activities Designed to Keep Your Child Healthy
Sometimes, sports just aren’t your child’s cup of tea – and that’s okay! Team and individual sports aren’t the only way to keep your child healthy, happy, motivated, and physically active on a regular, daily basis.
In fact, physical activity can take on a wide variety of forms.
Simply going on a walk and enjoying the fresh air could be considered exercise – though we recommend getting at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily to comply with CDC guidelines.
If sports weren’t cutting it, here are some other activities to consider!
5. Dancing
Not everyone enjoys dancing, but some kids do – and if they enjoy it enough, why not see if they succeed in a more controlled setting? It’s an effective workout, they’ll meet new friends, and it builds confidence.
It also gives them a variety of options. For example, they can join a dance group, take ballet classes, or take part in a more intimate experience through solo performances. Either way, there’s a lot to gain!
4. Hiking
There’s no better way to spend time with friends and family than going on a nice, long hike through the mountains – surrounded by nothing but nature. It’s not just a workout – it’s also extremely therapeutic.
If you plan on going hiking with your child, make sure you pack plenty of water, snacks, and any other survival items to ensure you’re prepared. Also, make sure someone knows where you’ll be and when.
3. Yoga
Contrary to popular belief, yoga is a form of exercise – though we recommend combining it with other sports or activities, to ensure you’re getting enough moderate-to-vigorous physical activity every day.
It won’t test or challenge your physical strength in the same way other activities would, but it’s one of the best ways to improve your child’s mental health and will give them a safe space to relax and revitalize.
2. Running
If your child likes to run but doesn’t like the idea of being a part of a track and field team, that’s okay – they don’t need to! One of the greatest benefits of running is that you can do it whenever and wherever.
As a parent, you can help them find a safe running trail near your horse or even buy them a treadmill for those winter months – that way, they can run year-round. There’s no better exercise than a good ‘ol jog.
1. Weightlifting
Some kids find all the exercise they need in the gym. They don’t need a ball or puck to get a good workout – all they need is a couple of weights, some music, and a place to throw those weights around!
Weightlifting is an excellent way for your child to test their strength and push their boundaries. There’s something rewarding about going from five reps to 10 reps – or 10 pounds to 15, 20, or 25 pounds.
All Physical Activity Is Good Physical Activity!
Physical activity can single-handedly transform your child’s life – not just physically, but mentally, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. There’s certainly an element of finding the right source of physical activity, but it’s worth the time, energy, and effort spent – and it’ll bring you and your child closer than ever before.
It teaches them things they might not have learned and introduces them to people they would’ve never met or places they would’ve never gone – exposing them to a variety of cultures and ideas along the way.
What I’m trying to say is – physical activity is important.
And it doesn’t matter how your child does it – as long as they do it!
Team sports are a great way to expose your child to new people and the idea of collaboration, while individual sports are best reserved for kids who want the benefit of playing sports, but independently. And if sports aren’t working, then stick to the fundamentals – and educate them on the importance of activity.
And don’t forget – parents need physical activity, too.
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