Competitive sports is an avenue for kids to burn off energy, get exercise and get a feel for winning and losing. Taken in the right doses, competitive sports can be positive for children and enhance their lives. However, if not controlled carefully, children can get overwhlemed by their parents' and coaches' desires for success and that can ruin the experience.
Baseball
This is one of the oldest organized and competitive sports for kids. Baseball is a tough game for youngsters to play if it is not organized because it's hard for children to put together teams with nine players and gather the right equipment and find a suitable field. Organized youth leagues give children the chance to play a game that many end up falling in love with. The problem with youth baseball is that some coaches may want to win games more than they want to help young players develop and parents may want to see their kids get ahead. As long as the emphasis is on learning the fundamentals of the game and having fun, competitive baseball can be a positive experience.
Basketball
Playing basketball on a competitive level allows a young person to learn the game, develop his athletic potential and improve his skills. Basketball does not require a lot of equipment. The right coach can help young kids learn the game and develop their talent. Learning how to dribble, pass, defend and shoot in game competition can teach kids the skills needed to enjoy an active and competitive sport for years.
Football
Football is the most popular sport in the United States, but playing it is not for everyone. When young people join an organized and competitive football program, it requires a significant time commitment and may be quite expensive. However, a well-run competitive program will teach young players the fundamentals of the game and help them learn all about teamwork. Football is perhaps the most team-oriented sport and all players benefit when they play for each other and not just themselves. This concept is one of the greatest benefits when playing football. Coaches who want to make sure players learn how to play the game safely, have fun and understand the fundamentals of success are the right type of leaders. Parents should not let their children play football for coaches who want to "teach kids how to win."
