Anonymous
Post 12/16/2023 14:55     Subject: What Is a Sport I Could Get My Unathletic DD Into?
We tried soccer, swimming, fencing, hiking, scouts, cross country, and golf. Finally gave up, and DC found theatre.

When you are truly not athletic, sports is demoralizing, un-fun, and a general waste of time you could be spending on something that makes you happy. But do keep up 60 minutes of some physical activity per day.
Anonymous
Post 12/16/2023 14:46     Subject: What Is a Sport I Could Get My Unathletic DD Into?
Fencing, archery
Anonymous
Post 12/16/2023 14:46     Subject: What Is a Sport I Could Get My Unathletic DD Into?
PP here: if she is deeply unathletic and on the small side, she could also consider becoming a coxswain on the crew team. All the benefits of being on a team without the erg tests! And it’s super fun to be on the water, imparts leadership skills, etc
Anonymous
Post 12/16/2023 14:43     Subject: Re:What Is a Sport I Could Get My Unathletic DD Into?
Another vote for crew. Its a wonderful team sport, nobody starts until high school (impossible to do as a child), and it’s as much fun to be in the third boat as the first if you’re not in it to be competitive. Typically there aren’t cuts be depends on the school.
Anonymous
Post 12/16/2023 14:16     Subject: What Is a Sport I Could Get My Unathletic DD Into?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I was an unathletic kid and now as an adult I'm not comfortable with many forms of exercise. I'd look for something that can be continued lifelong for fitness. Maybe swim, tennis or running? Girls on the Run is supposed to be a great activity. There are also lots of developmental swim programs where she could work on improving her strokes without pressure.

For socializing, what about something like Irish Dance or fencing? Rec soccer is also popular in our area and no one cares if you're good.

Alternative activities like hiking, rock climbing or kayaking may also be good to try. Maybe as part of a scout troop?


I think the OP is looking for sports to do at school, not just in general.

Unless your daughter is at a school that has a no-cut policy, she's going to have a hard time starting a new sport in high school, especially if she is not particularly athletic to begin with. Something like cross country is probably your best bet.


I agree with cross country. It doesn’t require a high level of skill, is usually no cut, and not being one of the top runners doesn’t actually hurt the team the way being a weaker player on other team sports does, like soccer or lacrosse. I think it also attracts kids that want to (or have to) play a sport but aren’t super athletic, so your daughter would likely meet other, similarly situated kids. Also, it’s a fall sport, so she’d meet kids at the beginning of the school year.
Anonymous
Post 12/16/2023 14:16     Subject: What Is a Sport I Could Get My Unathletic DD Into?
Anonymous wrote:My DD has tried a variety of sports - soccer, basketball, volleyball, hockey and will only last maybe 3 weeks before saying she doesn't like it. She likes swimming but is only okay at it and not sure she could even properly swim the entire length of the pool; has tried tennis and doesn't dislike it; and re: track, is generally a slow runner. I just want her to do a sport - not excel at it. I think it would be helpful when acclimating to private high school to participate in something. Any thoughts? Is it too late?


Most schools require participation in a fall, winter and spring activity. Also, most schools have sports teams that cut but have activities for everyone such as volunteering, yearbook, etc. Your DD will acclimate just fine doing an activity or trying a no cut sport. I know Rock climbing is available at some schools so that is something she could potentially get into before she starts high school. If you give the specific schools, people on the board can explain how it works at their kid’s school.
Anonymous
Post 12/16/2023 13:52     Subject: What Is a Sport I Could Get My Unathletic DD Into?
Crew? Squash?
Anonymous
Post 12/16/2023 13:40     Subject: What Is a Sport I Could Get My Unathletic DD Into?
Is she does MT, she should learn how to dance. For me, it’s important that my kids do some sort of physical activity.
Anonymous
Post 12/16/2023 13:31     Subject: Re:What Is a Sport I Could Get My Unathletic DD Into?
What about yoga? It’s not competitive, supports physical fitness, and will include some social interactions with classmates. Or gym work outs? Ultimate frisbee?
Anonymous
Post 12/16/2023 13:26     Subject: Re:What Is a Sport I Could Get My Unathletic DD Into?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Have you looked into crew?


+1


-2

Rowing is an extremely demanding sport that demands a high level of athleticism
Anonymous
Post 12/16/2023 13:25     Subject: Re:What Is a Sport I Could Get My Unathletic DD Into?
Anonymous wrote:Have you looked into crew?


+1
Anonymous
Post 12/16/2023 13:24     Subject: Re:What Is a Sport I Could Get My Unathletic DD Into?
Have you looked into crew?
Anonymous
Post 12/16/2023 13:12     Subject: Re:What Is a Sport I Could Get My Unathletic DD Into?
My DD is the same way. The most I can get her to do is go for long walks or bike rides, so that’s what she does for exercise. Once they get to a certain age, you can’t force it. It’s fine.
Anonymous
Post 12/16/2023 13:08     Subject: What Is a Sport I Could Get My Unathletic DD Into?
I was also unathletic and participating in group sports made me hate exercise even more.

What about hiking? Some sort of fun trendy dance classes? Yoga? Martial arts? Even weight lifting or just using the elliptical or bike at a gym would be better than group sports. Zumba classes even? The rec departments around here have lots of options and she could try different things that aren't that expensive.
Anonymous
Post 12/16/2023 13:05     Subject: What Is a Sport I Could Get My Unathletic DD Into?
Anonymous wrote:I was an unathletic kid and now as an adult I'm not comfortable with many forms of exercise. I'd look for something that can be continued lifelong for fitness. Maybe swim, tennis or running? Girls on the Run is supposed to be a great activity. There are also lots of developmental swim programs where she could work on improving her strokes without pressure.

For socializing, what about something like Irish Dance or fencing? Rec soccer is also popular in our area and no one cares if you're good.

Alternative activities like hiking, rock climbing or kayaking may also be good to try. Maybe as part of a scout troop?


I think the OP is looking for sports to do at school, not just in general.

Unless your daughter is at a school that has a no-cut policy, she's going to have a hard time starting a new sport in high school, especially if she is not particularly athletic to begin with. Something like cross country is probably your best bet.