What sport for a 14yo who has never literally never played sports?

[Anonymous]

DD is starting HS next year and it seems nearly all of her friends are planning to play a sport. She's never shown interest in sports and actively refused to play as a younger kid, but now is experiencing FOMO.

Her HS is not very competitive and there are plenty of no-cut options. I've suggested track/cross country but the idea of "running for fun" is an abomination to her. It's a little sad because she is very talented in other areas, but has been convinced that continuing those interests into high school is for losers.

What are good options for kids without any sports background to try at this age? She's physically fit and reasonably coordinated, but has never once played for a team.

[Anonymous]

cross country

[Anonymous]

Cross country really is her best bet. Maybe field hockey?

[Anonymous]

Fencing, Karate, archery

[Anonymous]

Why not find out which sports are no cut? If her school is not competitive there may be a few options - cross country and track for sure, but perhaps others like softball or field hockey. She can pick whatever she likes best, and then use her freshman year to gain some skills nd experience and maybe she’ll decide she likes it and will work and get better!

[Anonymous]

Crew

[Anonymous]

Bocce if she wants low key and fun

A lot of girls HS field hockey and lacrosse teams are no cut. It’s a little easier to break in as many kids start at older ages. Maybe have her attend a camp to try them out.

[Anonymous]

Cross country

[Anonymous]

Basketball is the fun one.

[Anonymous]

Crew

[Anonymous]

Does it have to be in school?

Can see do like a few rock climbing classes, join a youth bowling league (Bowlero has them), for example.

More importantly, is this a YOU thing or is this her idea? Are you projecting? I'm getting the vibe you're trying to force something that just isnt there. It sounds like sports isn't her thing so maybe something like theater or one of the many clubs most high schools offer like DECA, Spanish Club, Art Club, whatever.

[Anonymous]

Anything really! Let her pick. In 9th grade I joined the field hockey team with 4 of my friends. It was a total sh-show and I was terrible, but it was good fun. Then in college I took up rowing, same story. Sports are really just a fun and healthy activity to do with friends. Simple as that!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does it have to be in school?

Can see do like a few rock climbing classes, join a youth bowling league (Bowlero has them), for example.

More importantly, is this a YOU thing or is this her idea? Are you projecting? I'm getting the vibe you're trying to force something that just isnt there. It sounds like sports isn't her thing so maybe something like theater or one of the many clubs most high schools offer like DECA, Spanish Club, Art Club, whatever.

OP back and this couldn't be further from the truth. She is concerned about making friends, fitting in and, most importantly, being cool. And in her mind, particularly from what she's heard from older friends, sports are the way to go.

She is immensely talented in other areas and I would love nothing more than for her to find her "people" in the ECs that she genuinely loves and excels at! However, in her mind, pursuing her passions would be socially damning in HS. I'm all for her trying something new, but do worry that it will cause her to miss out on the opportunities and friendships that can come with being true to herself. And FWIW, she has a great group of friends who would never abandon her b/c she's not playing a sport.

But she's only 14 and needs to start learning how to navigate life on her own terms. And, in the short-term, that means trying her hand at sports despite her lack of passion, at least for now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DD is starting HS next year and it seems nearly all of her friends are planning to play a sport. She's never shown interest in sports and actively refused to play as a younger kid, but now is experiencing FOMO.

Her HS is not very competitive and there are plenty of no-cut options. I've suggested track/cross country but the idea of "running for fun" is an abomination to her. It's a little sad because she is very talented in other areas, but has been convinced that continuing those interests into high school is for losers.

What are good options for kids without any sports background to try at this age? She's physically fit and reasonably coordinated, but has never once played for a team.

Cross Country is going to be the only realistic option since most of the others involve skill and/or hand-eye coordination which your daughter likely doesn't have.

Someone else suggested Field Hockey and that might be an option if she can find a week-long summer camp/clinic to attend to sort of jump-start her skills.

If she's willing to think outside the box and try something non-traditional, see if they offer women's Wrestling - it is now in the Olympics and is a fast growing sport.

Helen Maroulis is from Rockville, MD:



▶ PLAY VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lk3c4FaDSOY

[Anonymous]

Swimming. It’s a team sport, but there’s also the aspect of beating your own times.