Sport for highly sensitive/unathletic boy?

[Anonymous]

DS, who is in Kindergarten, needs encouragement to be more active. The teacher has asked us to try to get him involved in a sport that he likes to help him with this. We have tried soccer and baseball and they have been unsuccessful. Soccer is too fast moving and he appears to be scared of the ball. Baseball is slightly better because it is slower.....but the other kids are all already very skilled and DS feels bad because he is not very good at baseball.

Can anyone recommend a sport that might work for a child like this? He likes to run -- but organized running doesn't start until much later.

Or should we alternatively just try to get a private occupational therapist for him? He has never qualified for state services or missed milestones. But he is very unathletic and someone mentioned that his motor skills might benefit from some OT.

[Anonymous]

Try tennis or swimming.

[Anonymous]

Taekwondo or other martial art?

[Anonymous]

I agree with pp about trying an individual sport. If you're in an individual sport, you can see yourself getting better and have pride in that without the fear of letting your peers down because you're not fantastic.

[Anonymous]

Yes, plus individual sports like yoga for kids, martial arts (great for conditioning and discipline, sometimes can wear pads/many styles) or fencing (you are behind a mask and wear padding). I know you say he's sensitive but he may surprise you with what sticks. Try a few and see if he likes any of them.

[Anonymous]

PP here. Archery is another one I forgot to mention.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DS, who is in Kindergarten, needs encouragement to be more active. The teacher has asked us to try to get him involved in a sport that he likes to help him with this. We have tried soccer and baseball and they have been unsuccessful. Soccer is too fast moving and he appears to be scared of the ball. Baseball is slightly better because it is slower.....but the other kids are all already very skilled and DS feels bad because he is not very good at baseball.

Can anyone recommend a sport that might work for a child like this? He likes to run -- but organized running doesn't start until much later.

Or should we alternatively just try to get a private occupational therapist for him? He has never qualified for state services or missed milestones. But he is very unathletic and someone mentioned that his motor skills might benefit from some OT.

In Kindergarten no one is very skilled at baseball. They may be better at catching and throwing the ball, but that is because they practice. Find another team.

Also, try swimming or martial arts.

[Anonymous]

Isn't there a running group for kids fairfax? I remember seeing signs about it. As someone who is a klutz and unathletic running would have been my suggestion.

[Anonymous]

I'd try chess. Great sport for nerdy kids.

[Anonymous]

Gymnastics might be good for strengthening and movement. Swimming would be great if he likes the water. Fencing also came to mind, but he may still be a bit young.

[Anonymous]

is too fast moving and he appears to be scared of the ball.

Just curious how long you tried soccer for. My son is also relatively unathletic and unaggressive, but he has gotten better at soccer over the past 2 years (he's in 2nd grade now) - he went from being awful to mediocre. It is a big social outlet at his school, so we are glad he stuck with it and made some progress, even though he'll never be really good.

[Anonymous]

Same kid in my house.

Fencing
Archery
Swimming
Chess (not physical, but strategic)
jumping on a trampoline
bike riding
kayaking

[Anonymous]

gymnastics.

[Anonymous]

My first grade son is very similar - sensitive, not very athletic. He loves golf, which is probably not the best way to get exercise but has still been really positive for him to pursue. He's also doing swimming lessons, although that's probably not something he'll ever pursue in a competitive situation.

[Anonymous]

I find it hard to believe kindergarteners are so skilled at baseball that a beginner would feel overwhelmed. Sure you aren't projecting this on him? My kids played tee ball in K and the kids were looking for 4 leaf clovers in the field and everyone ran after the ball when it was hit. Relax and he will.