Is age 13 too "old" for DS to try baseball, tennis, or lacrosse?

[Anonymous]

I started a new sport cold in college .. lettered in it. And I'm not even the best of athletes.

OP, let you son play, don't go broke over it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Didn't Misty Copeland begin ballet at the advanced age of 13yo?

I don't see the problem.

Misty Copeland was a prodigy. She was en pointe three months after she started lessons, and started dancing professionally about nine months later. OP has said her child isn't a natural athlete, so it's no really an apt comparison.

And, if her parents had thought, "she's too old to start ballet", what then? We'd have lost out on a brilliant dancer. And, she would have lost out on the grand opportunity of finding something she connected with so profoundly. Hell, I'm far from 13 and would hate to hear I couldn't engage in a new sport just because of my chronological age. We're talking about a young boy here! Why shouldn't he try out ANYTHING in the world he may find of interest?!! My goodness! Life is all about new things. Try, baby boy! I learned a new language when I was nearly thirty. Should I have stayed away from that challenge because of how much better it would have been to have learned a language as a toddler? Nope. Sure, the other boys may be far more experienced, but as with the Misty Copeland example, you never know what he'll do with it once he's been exposed. It wasn't written that MC would be a prodigy. It was the opportunity that revealed her talents. Also, there are so many other benefits that come with team sports. Why wouldn't you want your child to access all of that? The potential good is apparent. The bad side is simply that it may not be a great fit. NBD.

Most of us aren't saying he shouldn't even try, we're suggesting that OP should get her son a private coach for a while if he wants to play one of these sports to help him catch up, because otherwise he'll be left behind. Misty Copeland had the equivalent of a private coach, she had a teacher who worked directly with her at her level to develop her skills, they didn't just throw her in with a bunch of 13-year-olds who's been dancing since they were 3 and expect her to figure it out.

Oh for crying out loud. He doesn't have to catch up, he just has to get started. He's not going pro. There is really something wrong with people who think this way. Children's athletics is for exercise and learning and fun. He doesn't have to be the star, he doesn't even have to be good, and if he loses the game for your expensively trained kid, so be it.

Also, lots of people start dance late in life with no private coaching, btw. They don't become stars,nor do they intend to, but they have a blast and get in great shape.

[Anonymous]

I have two sons that didn't start their sports until 9th and 10th grade. They are D1 full scholarships athletes now. It all depends on if they are athletic to start with and their passion.

[Anonymous]

OP here! I so appreciate these posts!

After reading all of these, I figure it really comes down to the particular kid. It's impressive to see that some kids can start a sport in 9th grade and become great at it!

In my son's case, I think he doesn't have quite the confidence to try it. (I wish he would!) He's not particularly athletic and so get down on himself pretty quickly. I admire the confidence and athleticism of one who starts a sport in 9th grade and excels!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here! I so appreciate these posts!

After reading all of these, I figure it really comes down to the particular kid. It's impressive to see that some kids can start a sport in 9th grade and become great at it!

In my son's case, I think he doesn't have quite the confidence to try it. (I wish he would!) He's not particularly athletic and so get down on himself pretty quickly. I admire the confidence and athleticism of one who starts a sport in 9th grade and excels!

I admire kids who have the confidence to start a sport at an older age. Period. I really hope that it is a positive experience for your son, Op.

We are never too old to try new things.

[Anonymous]

^Sorry, I misread what you wrote! You're saying that your son does not feel comfortable trying a new sport at his age?