Sports to practice with family outdoors

How to encourage children to practice sports

Many parents face the difficulty of encouraging their children to become interested in sports. The key to success lies in making physical activity a fun and relaxed experience. Outdoor sports like pickleball, paddle ball, and beach tennis offer a relaxed environment, ideal for children and teenagers to feel comfortable and without the pressure to achieve high performance.

Pickleball, for example, is a mix of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It’s easy to learn and can be played by people of all ages, making it perfect for an outdoor family activity. Paddleball Ball, a Brazilian beach classic, involves agility and coordination, being an excellent choice for parents and children to play together. Beach tennis, which has gained popularity in Brazil, combines fun and physical exercise and can be played both on the beach and on sand courts.

In addition to these, sports like Frisbee, mini golf, and slackline can also be great allies in the mission to encourage family sports practice. Frisbee is a simple and fun activity that can be practiced in any park, while mini golf offers a playful experience that pleases all ages. Slacklining, in turn, challenges balance and concentration, being a great option for families who enjoy challenges.

Adapting sports practice for each age group

When considering outdoor family sports practice, it’s crucial to adapt activities to children’s age groups. Babies and small children can benefit from sports involving basic movements and motor coordination, such as playing with light balls or balance games. For preschool children (2-5 years), activities like swimming and running games are ideal.

Older children (6-10 years) can start practicing sports that require more skills, such as soccer, basketball, or volleyball. Teenagers (11-17 years) can explore sports that develop endurance, strength, and coordination, such as running, cycling, or martial arts. Each age group has its own needs and capabilities, and it’s important to choose sports that are appropriate and safe for each group.

Sports for children aged 1 to 5 years

For the youngest ones, the main objective is to stimulate motor development and coordination. Activities like baby swimming, children’s gymnastics, and ball games are excellent options. Swimming, in particular, is an activity that can be started early and brings numerous benefits, such as muscle strengthening and motor coordination improvement. Children’s gymnastics, with its playful movements, helps develop flexibility and balance, while ball games, like kicking a light ball, are great for hand-eye coordination.

Sports for children aged 6 to 10 years

As children grow, they begin to develop more motor skills and the ability to understand game rules. Sports like soccer, basketball, and volleyball are ideal for this age group. These modalities help develop coordination, agility, and teamwork. Additionally, activities like cycling and skating are excellent for cardiovascular and muscular development.

Sports for teenagers

Teenagers can benefit from sports that challenge their physical and mental abilities. Martial arts, such as jiu-jitsu and karate, are excellent for developing discipline, self-confidence, and self-defense. Cycling and running are great for endurance and cardiovascular health. Adventure sports, like climbing and parkour, can also be extremely stimulating and help develop courage and resilience.