We get asked this question a lot from parents who want to get their kids started with some sport. Well, the answer depends on the type of sport, really. So, let us see some type of sports with the minimum recommended age for children.
Swimming
While you can start as early as 1-2 years old to learn swimming, however, it is only advisable in a one-on-one coaching scenario. It is best for the parent to be the first coach and to get their child to learn the basics of swimming at a young age. In a group coaching scenario under a coach, it is best to get started after the kid is at least 4 years old when it is able to follow instructions from a stranger.
Dance based fitness, Gymnastics, Fun games
Children will enjoy rhythmic movements with music and can start engaging from as early as about 3 years onwards. Simpler steps and movement to emphasize on coordination and balance is best to start with. Fun games emphasizing team work, fitness and simple rules are recommended to start with. This is a perfect introduction for the kids to pickup proper sports a bit later on.
Martial arts (Karate, Taekwondo, Kungfu) and Yoga
One can start martial arts practice at about 4 years onwards. It is a great way to gain strength, discipline, balance, coordination and flexibility. Hence they are great for all round physical and mental development of the child.
Skating
Skating is an excellent sport to develop balance, leg strength, coordination and flexibility. You can start as early as 4 years old with proper protection gear. It might be possible to start even a bit more earlier if the child is cooperating with the coach and is following instructions
Racket sports – Badminton, Tennis, Table tennis
To get started with racket sports, minimum of 5 years is recommended so that the child is able to fully grasp hand-eye coordination. You might want to start with junior rackets which are lighter, shorter and easier to handle. In the case of tennis, it is best to get started with softer balls which are slower in their bounce. In the case of table tennis, we suggest minimum 6-7 years so that the child has reached a comfortable height above the table.
Football & Athletics
Kids can start football and athletics training from as early as 5 years. Junior training equipment such as balls which are softer and slower is recommended to start with. Also the playing field is recommended to be smaller. Running is naturally suited for younger children than the other jumping and throwing events that make up the athletics full spectrum.
Basketball and Volleyball
These sports not only require greater hand-eye coordination, but also require the child to reach a minimum height even to get started with junior nets. It is best to start basketball or volleyball from the age of about 6 to 7 years old. However kids can be introduced to parts of the game like shooting a basket or dribbling or volleying the ball from 4-5 years onwards.
Chess
Chess requires some level of cognitive ability and focus. While we can introduce the elements and basic moves. Kids can start proper play from about 6 years onwards so they can appreciate the tactics of the game.
We hope the above guidelines help a bit. Of course, each child is different and can be an exception in its own right.
At CoachDirect we follow age based coaching plans for each sport. The various parameters in training can be gradually modified in terms of size of the playing field, playing equipment, complexity of rules, etc.. so that the kids gain confidence, fitness levels and also actually enjoy themselves when they are playing sports.
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