When your hold does not want to play the sport they are best at...

[Anonymous]

Our 9y/o DS (somehow) is naturally gifted at basketball. No idea how or why; but good enough when playing for fun parents with children on travel have approached us to encourage him to try out. The issue is, he won’t even play rec. no interest at all. He played one season then switched to indoor soccer last 2 years.

He would rather play sports like flag football and soccer where he is below average (to be honest) than a sport he has a natural gift for.

Is there anyway to try and revisit him playing a sport he is actually good at now or is it too late?

[Anonymous]

Let him play whatever sports he likes. He can have all the natural talent in the world at one thing but if he doesn't love doing it then at some point he won't be doing it as well as the less-talented kid who tries very hard. Steph Curry is a good example of a kid with -some- talent who worked his butt off to refine what he had and excel. He literally worked his way to the top. Michael Jordan is an example of a guy with sports talent oozing out of all of his cells and could have gone pro in 2 other sports besides bball.

[Anonymous]

Nope. Don't do it--coercing him into something he isn't interested in is a recipe for frustration and resentment. Let him play what brings him joy.

--mom of super gifted athlete who wants nothing to do with organized sports and instead plunks his way terribly (but happily!) through piano lessons

[Anonymous]

My friend’s son is a naturally gifted swimmer. He never swam before this summer and went to all stars in two strokes as a 12 year old. It’s unheard of. But- he doesn’t live awimming so he’s going for now to his new club practices but grudgingly

[Anonymous]

There is no rush to start basketball at early age. A good athletes can pick up quickly.

[Anonymous]

Let him do what he wants. He can always switch later. And, it’s not good for their growing bodies to specialize too early.

[Anonymous]

Chances are pretty good he’s not going to be a professional athlete. Very few make it to the NBA, NFL, etc. He should play whichever sports he finds enjoyable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our 9y/o DS (somehow) is naturally gifted at basketball. No idea how or why; but good enough when playing for fun parents with children on travel have approached us to encourage him to try out. The issue is, he won’t even play rec. no interest at all. He played one season then switched to indoor soccer last 2 years.

He would rather play sports like flag football and soccer where he is below average (to be honest) than a sport he has a natural gift for.

Is there anyway to try and revisit him playing a sport he is actually good at now or is it too late?

You had your life as a kid now your gift is to let you child live his life. Let me choose which sport he wants to play. Or he will resent you and the sport. How is this even a question?

[Anonymous]

You know the saying... you can lead a horse to the basketball court but you can’t make him jump shot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our 9y/o DS (somehow) is naturally gifted at basketball. No idea how or why; but good enough when playing for fun parents with children on travel have approached us to encourage him to try out. The issue is, he won’t even play rec. no interest at all. He played one season then switched to indoor soccer last 2 years.

He would rather play sports like flag football and soccer where he is below average (to be honest) than a sport he has a natural gift for.

Is there anyway to try and revisit him playing a sport he is actually good at now or is it too late?

You had your life as a kid now your gift is to let you child live his life. Let me choose which sport he wants to play. Or he will resent you and the sport. How is this even a question?

+1. Op seems to forget these are kids playing games that are meant to be fun and enjoyed by participants.

[Anonymous]

I’ll be the lone dissenter and suggest (gently) revisiting the topic of giving rec another try this winter. My DH was a talented swimmer growing up, but chose to participate in wrestling - he had neither the talent nor the body type to do well in that sport and his results reflected it. Realistically he wouldn’t have been Olympic bound in either sport, but he comments he wished his parents steered him in the direction of the sport he was actually good at.

[Anonymous]

You didn't mention his height so I'm assuming he's avg, which means he's very quick and can dribble and scores to be considered very talented at age 9. Indoor soccer is great to continue to develop that speed and quickness, and learn about floor spacing, and dribbling and shooting are done alone anyway or with a partner (1v1).

Let him play soccer, then play a lot of one on one with him. Rec ball could be frustrating or even brutal for kids who are already ahead - coz most kids don't start until 3rd grade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Chances are pretty good he’s not going to be a professional athlete. Very few make it to the NBA, NFL, etc. He should play whichever sports he finds enjoyable.

This! As long as he is active and having fun let him do what he enjoys.

It's tough to see someone not use their natural talent, but it is what it is. Even with natural talent, he will only ever get so far is he doesn't love it enough to take it to the next level.

[Anonymous]

You have a nine year old who doesn't want to do something totally optional to do...

Why are you even considering anything beyond letting the kid decide?

[Anonymous]

My youngest DS doesn't want to play the sport I think he has the most natural talent in. Instead he wants to play the sport his older brother specializes in. I've let him know he always has the option to return to other sport (the one he's more talented in). But I don't push it. Its more important to me that he just remain physically active in something.

And, I agree that basketball is something that your DH could pretty easily go back to - for a few more years, at least. Esp. if he remains active in other sports/activities.