Playing the game teaches kids how to be good sports

KIDS ask me this when I visit their schools to talk about how I write my sport books and columns.

I usually answer that I like to watch baseball and play golf. Maybe I should change my answer. Every sport is good for different reasons, especially for kids.

American football: I know gridiron is rough and kids can get hurt but it’s a real team sport.

Baseball: Some parents and kids think these games are too slow. But baseball teaches kids to pay attention. You may be standing out in right field, but you have to be ready when the ball comes to you. It also teaches kids how to deal with failure. Even the greatest hitter makes an out most of the time.

Soccer: This low-scoring game teaches kids they have to work really hard to score just one goal. That’s another good lesson because the most important things in life never come easy.

Basketball: A great sport for getting kids into tiptop condition. Players are running and moving from start to finish.

Tennis: A simple sport, all you need is one ball, one racquet and one opponent. This game teaches the key lesson that you should never give up on a point. And it’s a game you can play for your whole life.

Golf: Here’s a game that teaches kids manners (wait your turn, be quiet when others are hitting) as well as the discipline to forget bad shots and bad bounces.

Swimming: Swimming teaches the rewards of hard work. The more kids practise, the lower their race times get. And in swimming you can feel like a winner if you post a personal best even if you lose the race.

All sporting codes are terrific for kids (and I haven’t even mentioned running, rowing, hockey or a bunch of others).

So give them all a try. You might learn something. Or find a new favourite. – Washington Post

PICTURE: DAVID RITCHIE/ AFRICAN NEWS AGENCY (ANA) Playing a sport has many benefits for children, such as learning to be a member of a team.