Playing sports teaches teens both teamwork and leadership skills, along with accountability, dedication and other values that contribute to positive mental health and self-esteem.
Minor sports-related injuries are an unfortunate reality for teens playing year-round sports, however those who specialize solely in one are at greater risk for long-term overuse injuries and burnout. To combat this risk, encourage them to explore multiple sports.
Soccer
Soccer is an enjoyable way for kids to stay in shape while working as part of a team, developing balance, coordination, strength and cardiovascular endurance in the process.
Squash can also help your child develop social skills, like communicating with teammates. Plus, as it’s a global sport, they could make connections across cultures and backgrounds!
Soccer teaches your teen the value of taking responsibility for themselves and their schedule and commitments, such as practicing and games on time, being prepared, and following coach instructions. This experience will lay a solid foundation for adulthood that will assist as they transition to high school or college life. Furthermore, being low impact activity makes this an enjoyable experience without straining joints too much!
Basketball
Basketball may not be at the top of your mind when considering activities suitable for teenagers, but it offers incredible benefits to young athletes. Basketball requires them to focus on their surroundings and make decisions quickly in an instant; thus developing both cognitive skills and motor abilities simultaneously.
Furthermore, soccer teaches children how to work together as part of a team and communicate effectively with teammates – essential skills that will enable them to be successful throughout their lives.
Golf is an excellent form of cardio exercise and can be played casually or professionally, teaching kids the benefits of physical activity while improving overall health. Track or cross country running may be suitable alternatives if they prefer noncontact sports like football, as is yoga which helps relieve stress while providing mental clarity.
Swimming
Engaging children in sports can help ensure that they remain healthy throughout their lives. Exercise will burn off excess calories while building strength in their bodies – this may help them better cope with stress and anxiety in later years. Swimming will help stay in shape.
Swimming is an ideal form of physical exercise for young people as it provides a full-body workout without placing strain on bones and joints, helping improve muscle tone and coordination while encouraging social interactions between teens as they learn how to work as part of a team.
Swimming helps improve cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart and increasing circulation, while burning calories by raising metabolism rates – helping teenagers maintain a healthy weight and avoid obesity. Swimming also teaches children self-motivation; as they need to dedicate time and effort in order to become better swimmers; this can make them more focused in other aspects of their life, such as academics. Many swim schools and competitions award medals for successful performances which gives children pride of ownership of themselves as individuals.
Tennis
Teenage participation rates in many sports are on the rise; however, tennis participation seems to be declining. Why might this be? Could it be that tennis, which requires sustained focus and can involve mistakes, doesn’t appeal as much as team sports that foster socialization?
An ideal way to introduce children to this racquet sport is enrolling them in a tennis & school course, which combines classic schooling with intensive tennis practice. This will enable them to make great academic strides as well as develop professional tennis careers.
Martial arts and other combat sports offer kids a great way to stay physically fit while simultaneously developing confidence, concentration and balance. Students learn respect for opponents as well as resilience during challenging circumstances. Furthermore, martial arts help build physical strength while improving coordination.
