What is the best sport for a 5-year-old?
At age 5, most kids would have already been able to engage in extracurricular activities. For those parents who haven’t involved their kids in sports already, this is probably the time they start contemplating what game to involve them in.
The truth is, at this age, children are already able to take an interest in some competition. Better still, they have already been able to develop more exceptional coordination. They can also now keep their attention on something for a little longer time and stick with few rules.
If you belong to the category of parents who are yet to get their kids into any sport, you may probably be wondering what game to get involved in first. You most likely do not want to impose something on your kid and are, at the same time, looking for something suitable for his age as well.
However, you don’t have the time and equipment to try out every single sport that is out there so your kid can find one he likes. There are sports that are common and readily available to try out at a lower cost that is not so time-consuming.
In summary, when choosing a sport for your child, there are certain things to consider. For children around five years old, they should lean towards activities that:
- Are not complicated in nature, overly structured, or time involved.
- Help to build self- control, self-confidence and body awareness as these skills will come in handy when he is ready for organized sports.
So, if you’re looking for these, then this is for you. Let us see the list of some of the best sports for your 5-year-old.
T-Ball
This is also known as Tee Ball and is a modified game of baseball for toddlers and children between the ages of 4 to 8. At age 5, kids don’t have the coordination to hit a pitched ball or effectively pitch, but playing the game can be a fun way to learn about the sport. This is a sport both boys and girls can play together in a team as there are no physical differences between the both of them.
You can also get your kids started at home with an at-ball set. Also, you can sign them up with leagues that exist everywhere. By so doing, they can get to experience the joys of being a team member.
Flag football
This is one sport that is becoming more popular as each year passes by. This is made possible because of organizations like i9 Sports and USA Football that organize it. They also hold other sports like soccer, basketball and baseball.
If you love football and would love your kid to participate in it, you can go in for flag football. This is a form of football that kindergartens can go in for as professional and college football cannot be played by little kids.
This sport is excellent for your kid as it will give him a chance to handle the ball without the associated high impact collisions and dog piles of the game that make it so dearly loved by people.
During pro football season, flag football is usually played every Saturday morning, so this is an opportunity for your kid to live out the excitement seen at the high school game the previous night. Practices are usually done once or twice a week and are very simple to understand.
The game involves a lot of hand-offs and just an occasional passing or trick play. The main thing is to ensure your flag doesn’t fall on its own and then, you’re off to have an awesome touchdown celebration.
Soccer
I’m sure you were already wondering if this was not going to be on the list. Well with the increasing popularity of this sport, nowadays most cities are now offering youth soccer league. There’s little or no cost in joining.
In participating in soccer, all that you need is to get some colored uniforms, a ball, an open field, and perhaps some pop-up nets. The choice to include shin guards is optional. Know, however, that at this stage, the rules are simple, and there isn’t much for strategy as the players are still yet to grasp the concepts of passing the ball and positioning. More likely than not, everybody will be swarming the ball the whole time. This could look funny while watching them on the field but relax and know it is normal.
Game times are usually on Saturday mornings, and there isn’t much of practicing during the week. If you want to child to go into athletics, soccer is an excellent way to get him in.
BMX
BMX is one of the best sports for a 5 year old and one of my favorite pastimes. You can quickly start your 5-year-old on a strider, which is a bike with pedals that a child can easily balance on. Striders are the perfect starting point for young five-year-old boys and girls. Do a google search for your local BMX, and they are sure to have local BMX races for young children as little as three years old.
Swimming
This is also an excellent option for your 5-year-old child’s first sport. Before thinking of dropping them at your neighborhood swimming pool for the swim team, you might want to work with your kid first. Give them swim lessons and teach them how to keep their heads above water and let them learn how to doggy paddle.
The only difference between a swim team and receiving swimming lessons is that for the swim team, there are plenty of lifeguards and coaches to keep an eye on things. By registering with a swim team, your 5-year-old will continue to improve his skills at swimming. Add competition to the mix and his swimming prowess will increase in no time at all. Aside from the game, swimming can be fun and also turn out to be a great life skill.
What do you need to kick start swimming for your kid? You need to get the necessary equipment; a swimsuit, goggles, and a cap. Also, create time for regular practice for your child. Swimming should be one of the first sports for a 5 year old to begin.
Martial Arts
Yes, this is on the list even though it is not usually categorized under sports. This is something that any individual can learn the moves and advances at their own pace. There are many benefits inherent in engaging in this sport. It can help in improving body control and awareness and improves movement quality. From a psychological point of view, martial arts encourage discipline, power, and commitment.
So if your kids are energetic and are in love with superheroes, you could get them to learn how to use the moves they’ve been watching on their favorite cartoon show. Martial arts classes usually hold two to three times per week, so it doesn’t take so much time. If you’re wondering about the safety of your child, know that the classes all have padded equipment, and the supervision of every contact is tight.
There’s no equipment for you to buy if you take up martial arts except the uniform. However, registering for these classes can be a bit expensive, making it one of the more expensive options on the list.
Other sports you can look into are gymnastics, biking, and speed stacking, all of which come with their benefits.
No matter the sport you choose for your beginner child, try to keep the pressure low. Don’t try to expect too much from them. Let them have fun at that sport you registered them for, and if they say they hate it, perhaps they’re just not ready for organized sport yet.
Best Sports for 5-Year-Olds
How many sports should a 5 year old play?
At this age, children should do activities that promote the overall development of motor skills like running, jumping, swinging, balancing, and throwing. Sports like tumbling, soccer, and learning to ride a bike are excellent sports—quality over quantity.
Which sport is best for my child?
You are the best person to assess which sport is best for your child. Choose a game that your child is interested in; don't stay focused on traditional sports. Open the possibility of less popular sports like skateboarding and non-traditional sports. Choose a game that your child enjoys.
How do I get my 5 year old interested in sports?
One of the best ways to get children interested in sports is by playing with them. You must also allow them to find their way and support the avenues they choose.
What sport is the easiest?
Running Soccer Tumbling Basketball Baseball