As a parent, it’s natural to want your child to enjoy and excel in sports. The benefits are numerous: physical fitness, teamwork skills, discipline, and the sheer joy of playing the game. However, what happens if your child seems to be lagging behind their peers in terms of sports abilities?
Should you just accept that they might not be cut out for sports?
Absolutely not. 🙅
Below-average sports abilities can often be a sign of deeper issues that, if addressed, can significantly enhance your child’s performance and enjoyment of the game.
The Hidden Factors Behind Below-Average Sports Performance
Functional Strength
Many children struggle in sports because they lack functional strength to support strong and efficient form. Functional strength development is not only about performance, it helps prevent injuries too. And that is why building it is crucial. Enrolling your child in strength-specific training or therapy can help them gain a solid foundation and improve their overall abilities.
Running Biomechanics
Running is fundamental to nearly every sport, yet it’s one of the most overlooked aspects of athletic performance. Poor running biomechanics can hinder your child’s speed, endurance, and overall athleticism. Understanding the mechanics of how your child runs can help identify inefficiencies or improper techniques. Simple adjustments, like correcting foot placement or their arm swing, can make a world of difference.
Breathing Techniques
Breathing might seem automatic, but inefficient breathing can drastically impact athletic performance. Proper breathing techniques improve oxygen intake, which is crucial for sustained physical activity. If your child struggles with endurance, it might not be a matter of physical fitness but rather how they manage their breathing during exertion.
Confidence
Confidence plays a massive role in sports performance. A child who believes in their abilities is more likely to take risks, push harder, and enjoy the game. Conversely, a lack of confidence can lead to hesitation, mistakes, and a general lack of enthusiasm. Building your child’s confidence through positive reinforcement and constructive feedback can greatly improve their performance.
Don’t Just Accept; Investigate and Support
It’s easy to dismiss below-average sports abilities as a lack of talent or inheritance of your non-athletic genes, but this approach can be detrimental to your child’s development and self-esteem. Instead, take the time to investigate the underlying reasons for their struggles. Here are some steps you can take to support your child:
Identify the Issues
Observe your child during practices and games. Are there specific areas where they seem to struggle? Is it their running form, their stamina, or perhaps their confidence on the field? Identifying the problem is the first step toward finding a solution.
Hire Professionals
Sometimes, professional help is necessary. Consider hiring a coach or a specialist who can provide targeted training and advice. Whether it’s a running coach to improve biomechanics or a physical therapist to build functional strength, professional guidance can make a significant difference.
Foster a Supportive Environment
Always remember that your primary goal is for your child to have fun and enjoy the sport. Create an environment where they feel supported, encouraged, and motivated to improve. Celebrate their progress, no matter how small, and remind them that everyone has unique strengths and areas for improvement.
Emphasize Effort Over Results
Teach your child that effort and persistence are more important than immediate results. Encourage them to focus on personal growth and self-improvement rather than comparing themselves to others. This mindset will not only help them in sports but also in other aspects of life.
Overall, below-average sports abilities in kids are not a dead-end but a starting point for growth and improvement. In fact, kids with below-average sports skills often have a huge and immediate upside. By paying attention to the root causes—whether it be a lack of fundamental strength, running biomechanics, breathing techniques, or confidence issues—you can help your child overcome their challenges and reach their full potential. Remember, the goal is not just to win games but to ensure that your child enjoys the process and learns valuable life skills along the way. Investing time and effort now can yield lifelong benefits for your young athlete.
If you’d like my help identifying the root causes of your sports kid’s underperformance, feel free to contact me.
Cheers to happy and confident sports kids,
Martise : )
