Kids sports question?

Question

My 5 year old daughter is interested in taking a sports class this spring. She says she doesn't care what it is, she just wants to play something. Our choices are: tennis, soccer, basketball, or T-ball. Any thoughts on why one might be better than another? Although she's taken gymnastics and martial arts, this will be her first sports class. Thanks.

Answer 1

Soccer.  It's probably the least technical at her age.  She can just run and have fun with the other kids.

Answer 2

I agree with the person who said soccer (and with their reasons).  Where I live, basketball isn't even an option until 3rd grade because it's just too complicated and difficult for little kids, both in terms of all the rules and in terms of the skills required to play.  T-ball and tennis are fine, but not nearly as action-packed (for a beginner) as soccer.

Answer 3

I would say from having kids in all of them I would start with either the soccer or t-ball.  You are outside and there is more to it than you think which can give them more to focus on.  T-ball is good for beginners because they are more lenient with the rules and there is more room for error than with the others, soccer allows them to kick the snot out of something and not get in trouble for it.  All of them, except maybe tennis, teaches them about being a team and working together.  My daughters both loved t-ball and the middle one loves soccer.  Also look into what sports the school offers when she gets older so she can find one and work at it for when she is in high school.

Answer 4

If she is high energy then all but t-ball would be great. T-ball has a lot of standing around time. Soccer and basketball will keep her moving the most so it tends to hold their interest longer.

Answer 5

soccer is a great first team sport.

Answer 6

Is she a girly girl or somewhat tom-boyish?

Soccer there is a good chance she'll at some point get pushed or fall down and get really dirty.  If she's a girly girl she might not like that. (I was in soccer with a mom that would throw a fit when her daughter got bumped or got dirty-hello it's soccer-watch a real game and see what it's like)

Basketball is great for all seasons.

T-ball can be boring.

Tennis is awesome!  But at age 5 she may have some coordination issues to overcome.  It's a lifelong sport so if she enjoys it she can do it forever!

Good luck.

Answer 7

I have to say Soccer - this is from a Mom of 3 girls. It is amazing the fact of teaching teamwork and self esteem. At this age we referred to it a "Bumble Bee Soccer" b/c ALL the kids went to the ball - it is CUTE.

I love the fact that soccer is growing in popularity and it is a sport where there are great role models for girls..

Tennis is what I played and although I love it it is hard and stressful and I just think soccer is more fun and can be played ANYWHERE for the most part

Answer 8

They are all equal. Have her play around in the yard with them. See what she has the most fun with. Go to the board meetings of the sports. Meet the board members and coaches. How they run things and what they teach her is most important. If they don't want girls to play with their boys, she will sit on the bench, not get positions, or not receive instructions in the game. Girl parents sometimes favor their child's friends. If the league and it's members are good, so is it's league. How they play is what counts.

Answer 9

Definitely soccer! My daughter LOVES it. She plays tennis and basketball too, but those are alot harder than soccer.

Answer 10

I would say soccer.  My kids play soccer and baseball so far.  Tee ball is kinda slow moving and not really exciting at 5.  Soccer the kids and run...that's what they love so I would go with that.  Not sure about the basket ball.

Answer 11

t-ball

Answer 12

I would say soccer  - its so much less technical at that age and really lets them run around non stop.   tball is alot of waiting around, basketball can be tough (mother of bball players) and depending on the skill level of the group she might not like it.  Tennis is fun at that age, but again can be alot of waiting not alot of action (and ususally more $$) at least where i live

Answer 13

I think that soccer is the simplest since anyone can really kick around a ball.  if you chose tennis or t-ball you will need to find a court or a field.