Recommend a Sport for a High Energy but not Athletic Girl

[Anonymous]

for those suggesting volleyball, it requires a lot of athletic ability.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Tennis or Swimming

Lol

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Cross country, rack, swimming, fencing, horseback riding/polo

This

[Anonymous]

Tennis seems like a terrible idea—so much eye hand coordination, timing, etc.

Rock climbing, running, swimming seem better. If she’s actually uncoordinated, riding horses is also a terrible idea.

[Anonymous]

Pole vault --there's a place by rfk stadium
Diving
Martial arts

[Anonymous]

Kayaking and canoe

[Anonymous]

track

[Anonymous]

[/mastodon]

Anonymous wrote:for those suggesting volleyball, it requires a lot of athletic ability.

I agree - BUT - in this area you can start in 5th grade and start in a "safe space" as many of your peers are doing indoor soccer or basketball. You can gain the confidence to be good at something and not having the class star athlete shut you down.

Also - some of the hand eye coordination that may have been an issue in early elementary could have come together so that she can step in and be on par with peers as opposed feeling as if everyone if better than her.

But - I would also say that cross country has been great for my middle schooler.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't say tennis if she's self-conscious about others watching her mess up. Tennis is very individual and when you're on the court, you're on display. Even in a group class, all eyes are on the person who's hitting the ball. At least that's what my self-conscious daughter tells me.

Also, tennis players can be a pretty competitive bunch and the sport requires a ton of coordination, repetition, and fine tuning of movements. There's a lot of standing around and waiting for others in beginner group classes, and private lessons can be intense with lots of focus on technique and running drills over and over to get something perfect. All not great for an unathletic kid who needs to get some energy out.

Running is just as individual but the races take place in a group so no one is in the spotlight. My tennis player runs track also and she really likes the community of kids she's met.

[Anonymous]

Definitely running.

And I’d have her give swimming another go.

[Anonymous]

Cross country swimming fencing rock climbing. Other recommendations are people who don’t play the sports they listed

[Anonymous]

Does *she* want a “lightly competitive” sport or is that you pushing it, OP? If the former, you have great suggestions; if the latter, drop it. She sounds active already - you can focus on encouraging climbing and gymnastics and that’s plenty.

[Anonymous]

Ninja Warrior gyms exist and are a ton of fun. There are teams and competitions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Cross country swimming fencing rock climbing. Other recommendations are people who don’t play the sports they listed

That’s why you take advice here with a grain of salt

[Anonymous]

What about golf? It’s a growth sport especially for women.