First time trying rec and intimidated during games?

[Anonymous]

Looking for some advice! My 9yo daughter is trying a team sport for the first time. She’s had 3 games so far, but she mostly runs around without touching the ball. She insists she’s trying and still likes the sport, but she seems aloof most of the time. I feel awful and want to help her. Does she just need more exposure and practice? There are only 3 games left this season, and unfortunately, no more practices, so she’s not getting any development outside of what we do at home. Has anyone else dealt with this, and how can I help her feel more confident?

[Anonymous]

If she’s enjoying herself, getting exercise, and learning about the game, it sounds fine. That’s a great place to start. Expecting her to be able to compete for the ball right away with kids who have been playing a few years isn’t realistic. Please try not to communicate your disappointment to a kid who sounds like they have a great attitude and are getting a lot out of the sport.

If you share the specific sport I could probably offer suggestions for the off season if that’s what you want.

[Anonymous]

A lot of kids look awkward when they play for the first time. This awkwardness doesn't simply go away, unless they master the skills through lots of reps. Then you will go through cycles of growth spurts, when they may seem to completely lose the skills because they have a new body that they have to re-learn how to use. Support them through the journey and consider yourself lucky if they are willing to keep going.

[Anonymous]

I would be encouraging. It’s amazing how much kids grow season to season.

[Anonymous]

What sport is this?

Not getting to touch the ball might be expected during games if it doesn't come her way.

Just make sure that when she's on defense that she's locking down on the player/ball and not just standing by and watching.

Then when on offense, make sure she's in proper positioning which kind of depends on the sport.

Based on what I've seen, 9 years old is about when you start seeing teams start playing more organized ball. So you wouldn't expect to see everyone from the team cluster around the ball.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, it's field hockey.

Anonymous wrote:What sport is this?

Not getting to touch the ball might be expected during games if it doesn't come her way.

Just make sure that when she's on defense that she's locking down on the player/ball and not just standing by and watching.

Then when on offense, make sure she's in proper positioning which kind of depends on the sport.

Based on what I've seen, 9 years old is about when you start seeing teams start playing more organized ball. So you wouldn't expect to see everyone from the team cluster around the ball.

[Anonymous]

Try to stay positive throughout the rest of the season and maybe she will surprise you. Sounds like this team doesn't have much development as she needs. Maybe another team would be a better fit?

[Anonymous]

My daughter started basketball a year ago at age 11. We signed up for rec but at this age they didn’t really teach them, just threw them in a game. She went to the Y for skills and drills classes and for the games she just ran up and down on the outer area. If she got the ball she quickly passed it.
A year later she’s improved a lot and still does classes and Rec program.
It’s perfectly normal for a beginner to just be on the field getting used to it.