Sports you can start in late elementary that aren't hyper competitive?

[Anonymous]

My DS loves soccer, but doesn't feel good at it. He didn't start until this school year (3rd grade) & he's playing with kids who have been at it since preschool and many are quite good. All of his teammates are trying out for developmental and/or travel and will likely make it. He is afraid to try out because he doesn't think he's ready for it. (He's not completely wrong, but I'm also sad that he's discouraged.) I'm tempted to make him at least try out, but also want to help him find a new sport to try where you can start later and not feel so far behind. He also tried basketball and feels behind there as well.

What other sports should I encourage him to try where he won't feel so far behind? It's hard to have a sense of competence when you are behind your peers in a sport you are playing....He is tall and has a great throwing arm, is great at throwing a football, so we suggested flag football, but I don't want him to play the real thing in HS...

[Anonymous]

If he has a good arm he might enjoy and pick up baseball. My son played Rec for years, and every year there are kids who are new to the game. What you can do to prepare him his teach him the game itself - if he has game sense (where to run, where to throw, how to communicate) he’ll do well as he learns the physical skills. Teach him to hit off a tee.

My son refuses to start new sports others are already good at (soccer and lacrosse for him) but when cross country and track were offered in Middle School he jumped in and was off and running (so to speak).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If he has a good arm he might enjoy and pick up baseball. My son played Rec for years, and every year there are kids who are new to the game. What you can do to prepare him his teach him the game itself - if he has game sense (where to run, where to throw, how to communicate) he’ll do well as he learns the physical skills. Teach him to hit off a tee.

My son refuses to start new sports others are already good at (soccer and lacrosse for him) but when cross country and track were offered in Middle School he jumped in and was off and running (so to speak).

Thanks -I didn't realize baseball had newbies like that. it will be interesting to see if my son would do track/cross country. He's tall and has stamina, but gets bored easily. But maybe having an internal world would make running more enjoyable? I like that anyone can just get into it...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If he has a good arm he might enjoy and pick up baseball. My son played Rec for years, and every year there are kids who are new to the game. What you can do to prepare him his teach him the game itself - if he has game sense (where to run, where to throw, how to communicate) he’ll do well as he learns the physical skills. Teach him to hit off a tee.

My son refuses to start new sports others are already good at (soccer and lacrosse for him) but when cross country and track were offered in Middle School he jumped in and was off and running (so to speak).

Thanks -I didn't realize baseball had newbies like that. it will be interesting to see if my son would do track/cross country. He's tall and has stamina, but gets bored easily. But maybe having an internal world would make running more enjoyable? I like that anyone can just get into it...

Where are you? Normally track and cross country are chill but Westetn Loudoun is a national long distance running hotbed, as in several of the top kids in the nation are from that area (Purcellville, Rpund Hill, etc.) and it starts early there.

[Anonymous]

Basketball.

My dd is in the same place with soccer, but she’s excited to try basketball this summer and I’m also signing her up for tennis.

[Anonymous]

Baseball, tennis, golf, fencing, taekwondo, skating, parkour, breakdancing, the list is endless.

[Anonymous]

Ultimate Frisbee if he can throw, has stamina, and wants to make friends.

[Anonymous]

Track and field/x-country. My son struggled to find sport that he enjoyed until he tried this in 7th grade. Really great experience for him - ended up getting good enough to be recruited for D1.

[Anonymous]

Wrestling. Some wrestle from the time they are little but plenty start around here in high school.

[Anonymous]

Diving? Track and field?

Agree that moving forward, Ultimate frisbee is a great option for friendly play. Not sure you’d have many options for play before middle school though.

[Anonymous]

Flag football
Maybe lacrosse
Somewhat agree on baseball but they probably need a season or so to get up to speed
Swimming possible but may need a season or so to get up to speed
Agree on track

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Track and field/x-country. My son struggled to find sport that he enjoyed until he tried this in 7th grade. Really great experience for him - ended up getting good enough to be recruited for D1.

I send this. These sports are honestly all about the work you put in. You don’t have to have great hand eye coordination. You just have to consistently try and work. You WILL improve. Plus track has so many different things he could try. Sprints, distance, hurdles, jumps, throws. Little equipment necessary.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Flag football
Maybe lacrosse
Somewhat agree on baseball but they probably need a season or so to get up to speed
Swimming possible but may need a season or so to get up to speed
Agree on track

Me again.
Also agree on tennis.
Probably golf but my kids haven’t tried
TKD / martial arts

[Anonymous]

Wrestling. You can start in middle school and be a superstar (in Virginia) by high school

[Anonymous]

baseball is a very bad choice unless you have done some preparation or naturally good. it is not fun to be strike out often.

As for travel soccer, there are so many clubs, there is almost a spot for anyone. You do not have to follow school friends. Having friend/teammate out of school has been a very positive thing for my kids.