10 Games and Activities From Childhood That Became Competitive Sports
Taking part in competitive sports allows children to build friendships with their peers. Being a member of a sports team helps the shyest kids find their voice.
Many parents get a high from watching their children play sports. It’s a powerful combination of two deep American passions: sports and kids.
1. Dodgeball
Dodgeball is a team sport in which players compete to hit other teammates with balls while avoiding being hit themselves. The game can be played with a variety of different rules, but most versions involve teams of three or more people. Players must stay behind their attack line until a designated official signals the start of the game.
The game was first played in Africa more than 200 years ago, but it wasn’t the fun and jocular game we know and love today. In fact, the game was used as a form of intense training to develop strength and endurance.
Dr James Carlisle brought the game back to England and transformed it into a safer and more accessible version. The rules he created included the rule that players could only be hit once and that being hit meant you were out of the game.
2. Tagging
Kids love playing Tag, and it’s easy to see why. It’s active, requires no equipment and is fun for all ages. Plus, it develops a variety of athletic skills like evasion, tracking and tackling.
Adding flags to tag games is a great way to overclock sprints and add more demand for speed and accuracy. It also teaches good tackling habits and develops vision/perception/decision-making.
It’s important to help kids find sports that suit their age, personality and physical abilities. Otherwise, they may feel frustrated or want to quit. They also might develop overuse injuries. That’s why it’s crucial for parents to monitor their child’s sports participation carefully and guide them toward safe and healthy options.
3. Soccer
Children who participate in team sports can gain confidence and a sense of accomplishment. This can help propel them in and out of the classroom, as well as into adulthood.
In addition to the physical benefits, kids can build balance and coordination by juggling a soccer ball while finding teammates. They can also improve their foot dexterity and endurance with constant running. However, this sport is not without risks – like ankle twists and shin splints. It’s important to teach children proper techniques, especially when heading the ball, as doing so can lead to brain injuries.
Soccer is a popular summer activity for kids. It’s important to encourage kids to lace up their cleats and create lasting memories with friends on the field. Kids who play soccer benefit from social interaction and develop skills to succeed in life.
4. Volleyball
Playing a sport can teach children important lessons like respect for teammates and coaches, and the value of practice. Those skills can help kids succeed in the classroom, too. One study found that high school athletes are 40% more likely to graduate from college.
Volleyball is a great summer activity for kids and improves agility, hand-eye coordination, and cardiovascular endurance. It’s also a good way to socialize with friends and stay active.
Coed volleyball allows both male and female players to compete on the same team in 6 vs 6, 4 vs 4, or 2 vs 2 competitions. This format is commonly seen in recreational leagues and local tournaments. In women’s volleyball, the middle blocker is often replaced by a libero (back row specialist) during rallies. It is an efficient way to speed up the game.
5. Basketball
Children love playing basketball, and it’s great for developing their hand-eye coordination and concentration. It also helps to develop their motor skills. Plus, research has found that kids who play sports do better in school.
James Naismith invented basketball in 1891 at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts. The game was developed as an indoor winter sport and a less injury-prone alternative to football.
The first basketball hoop was actually a peach basket! After a while, however, Naismith removed the bottom of the basket to allow players to dribble the ball. This changed the course of basketball forever.
Basketball has become a very competitive sport. Today, it is played on a professional level by men and women from around the world. It’s also a popular recreational activity at many grammar schools and summer playgrounds.
6. Baseball
For kids who love baseball, consider gifting them a glove and a bat this summer. It's a great way to improve their throwing, catching, and hitting skills while providing opportunities for teamwork, camaraderie, and healthy competition.
Whether it's playing musical chairs with a large group of players or using an indoor version to work on number skills, this game is fun and requires little more than a circle of seats and some music. It's also a perfect activity for children's birthday parties or family gatherings.
Taking your child to their first MLB game can be a fun bonding experience. It's a chance to enjoy the seventh-inning stretch, jumbotron close-ups, peanuts, and crackerjacks together. You may even start a new family tradition that will keep your children hooked on the game. Seeing their parents excited about sports makes young kids want to participate.
7. Football
As kids grow older, they may find some sports too competitive and feel uncomfortable playing with bigger or more athletic children. They might also be afraid to try a sport because they think they won’t be good at it.
Introducing kids to sports early is important. Kids who enjoy a particular sport are more likely to take it up as an adult, and it can boost their health.
Another great way to promote a love for football is through games that help them with skills they need. This includes literacy and math. This football activity is an alphabet game that helps children practice identifying beginning, middle, and ending sounds. It also teaches them to recognize letters and their names. It also reinforces number recognition through counting. It's easy to set up and suitable for kids of all ages.
8. Tennis
Children play for fun, not because they are compelled to. However, kids who are encouraged to practice and compete learn discipline and develop self-control that they can apply to academic pursuits. A recent American study found that kids who play sports do better in school.
A game of tag is an example of spontaneous, unconstrained play. But it also becomes a competitive sport when the chaser has 20 seconds to tag his opponent only using his hands before being out of the game.
This playground pastime has a global following and even has a yearly championship. This fast-paced game promotes agility, hand-eye coordination, and concentration. Set up a table in your backyard and have the kids challenge each other to friendly matches or tournaments. It can even help them prepare for ping-pong tournaments in the future!
9. Golf
Golf is one of the oldest sports in the world, and it’s also one of the most interesting. It’s no wonder that it’s become such a competitive sport!
Musical chairs is a simple and fun game that can be played with friends and family. To play, place one chair less than the number of players in a circle and start the music! When the music stops, players rush to sit in a chair. The player who is left without a seat will be eliminated.
The first yearly Four Square Championship took place in 2010. The game is incredibly popular and has become a hugely competitive sport! It’s even been a part of the Olympics! Learn more about this fascinating sport by downloading The History of Golf & Other Interesting Facts from Byron’s Games.
10. Soccer
Children love to play sports. It helps them get fit, and it also develops a range of social skills. But sometimes kids get so invested in their sports that they forget to be healthy and safe. This is especially true for competitive leagues that encourage kids to push themselves physically and mentally.
Kids who play competitive sports can be more susceptible to injuries like ankle twists, shin splints, and even head trauma when they practice improper techniques. They also might suffer from psychological problems like low self-esteem and anxiety.
However, a lot of these risks can be prevented with the right coaching and education for both players and parents. Read on to learn more about the benefits of playing sports and how you can keep your kids safe.
