Uncoordinated Children: What Sport is Best for Them?

Parents who realise the value of sport and exercise to their children’s lives and health may look into a wide range of activities with their youngsters before settling on something which becomes a regular activity. But not all children are sporty types, and there is no reason why they should be. So many parents will wonder what activity to introduce their children to if they are uncoordinated, clumsy or just do not enjoy the likes of football, volleyball, cricket or anything which involves any kind of body and eye co-ordination.

It’s Not Just Sport

Children should be getting half an hour of physical exercise a day to help aid their development – but it does not follow that this always has to be a sport, or even organised sport. They may not want to give the school football team a go, but if you have a family dog which the child loves, then allow them to walk it every day – or if they are not old enough to do that alone, then get up earlier every day to have time together to do it before school.

Speaking of school, think about the school run – do you drive your child every day? If so, then again, leave a little earlier and walk or even jog together. Consider a bike - a big purchase but one which will pay dividends in both a basic life skills and your child’s fitness.

Take Advantage of Funding Schemes

You might despair because the free school football team is off limits to your child, but there are plenty of other types of exercise which they can do which do not have to costs the earth. Some council areas are still running a free swimming for under 16s scheme, even after funding centrally was pulled. If your council is one, take advantage – even the most uncoordinated child can gain pleasure from swimming and splashing around in the water.

Play to Their Strengths

Of course, when choosing an activity for your child, the most important thing is to find something they enjoy as they will want to do it more often and put more into it. Therefore, play to their strengths and look at what they are good at before choosing something. If they have bags of energy and are always jumping around, then cheerleading is becoming ever more popular. If they are strong and assertive, then do not be afraid to let them have a go at something like rugby – even girls. Athletics also offers a whole host of activities which play to a varying array of talents. Just because a child is uncoordinated does not mean they cannot jump high, throw far or run fast. The best way to find the ideal niche is to give a few things a go until there is something they are happy with.

It’s a cliché, but there really is something for everyone out there and there is no excuse for children not to get their exercise. Uncoordinated or not, children love to run around and burn off energy. Finding an organised activity which they love into the bargain is actually just a bonus when it comes to staying healthy.