Sports are a very popular hobby, continually growing their following base. There are numerous ones people can participate in: soccer, basketball, lacrosse, football, tennis, field hockey, ice hockey, and so on. Participating in sports as a kid can help prepare you for the future by perfecting basic skills. Here's a list of things that sports can teach you!
1. How to interact with others
Sports are very social because you are part of a team. Even individual sports such as tennis have the aspect of a team. There are always coaches and trainers, practice partners, etc. Starting at a young age can help children with the development of basic social skills.
2. Social awareness
Whether you are on a field, a court, or a track, athletes always need to be aware of their surroundings. Not knowing what is around you can lead to being tackled, having the soccer ball stolen from your feet or losing a race. Social awareness is a very useful skill for when children grow into teens and start driving for the first time.
3. Hand-eye coordination
Having good hand-eye coordination makes everyone's lives much easier: when you and your friend want to win the water ballon toss., when your mom throws you and apple to put in your lunch, when you are walking and trip and you need to get your hands up quick so you do not fall on your face.
4. A way to express anger
Sports are a great way to express anger. Instead of yelling at parents or friends, you can tackle someone in a football game. You can drive a field hockey ball up the whole field, feeling the vibration of the impact on your hands. And after the game or practice is over, you will have released most of your anger.
5. How to be respectful when you do not get what you want
When you lose a big game, or do not get the starting sport on the basketball team, you learn to overcome the obstacles. To keep working harder everyday, continuing to make yourself better. Because sports really are a fun hobby, not a constant competition (unless you are in the pros or a college athlete).
6. How to be respectful when you get what you want
Sports teach kids and teens how to be humble and respectful. If you win the championship, you and your team are going to celebrate (obviously), but you are not going to rub it in the other team's faces because everyone has been on the losing side before and it is not fun.
7. How to take directions and criticism
Coaches and trainers can get pretty intense. They yell and scream trying to get you to understand what they want you to do. At first, you will be shaken, swearing to never be treated that way again. But you still show up to the next practice and learn to take the advice, but ignore the yelling. Sports also help kids learn how to take directions. Whatever your coach tells you in the beginning, you must do.
8. Not letting anyone get in your head
Sports are known as not only physical but mental. The other team's players will play with your head, trying to get you to lose focus so they can win the game. You learn to zone out the competition and do what you have practiced.
