As someone who has worked in the Health and Fitness industry for six years, one of the most concerning things I have witnessed is the forceful pushing into the sport and the accompanying pressure to perform among children as young as 10 to 12 years old.
If you want to know what matters most, consider these suggestions:
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Superior Quality Beats Out Large Quantity Every Time
If your neighbor starts his 10-year-old on a rigorous schedule of six hours of tennis practice each day, don’t expect him to be ready for Wimbledon by the time he’s eighteen. Instead, if he keeps it up, the youngster will be wounded, exhausted, or disinterested in sports by that time. For this group, it’s imperative that quality, not quantity, be prioritized.
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Having Fun Is Important For Your Child
It’s impossible to put in the time and effort required to become a professional athlete if they don’t love what they’re doing.
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Specialization in Sports Comes First, Then Generalization
They will benefit physically, mentally, and socially from exposure to multiple sports. Until they are 13 or 14, kids should be encouraged to try out for at least two different sports.
They will benefit from this because it will help them hone the fundamental physical abilities (running, jumping, throwing, catching, climbing, crawling, kicking, etc.) and the non-physical qualities (teamwork, sportsman spirit, leadership, etc.) that are essential to becoming an athlete and excelling in their chosen sport.
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Games, Recuperation, and Breaks
Adolescents need at least 16-18 hours of practice or training per week but no more than 24. At the ages of 10 to 12, most children have already had or are about to experience a growth spurt. I can’t stress enough how crucial it is to take things SLOOOOWWWLLYYY at this stage. The last thing they need is the added pressure of tournaments and performance expectations as their bodies adjust to the many changes brought on by their growing bones and stretching tissues.
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To Them, Sleep Is the Most Helpful Companion
According to several studies, preteens need at least 9 hours of sleep per night to reach their full intellectual and physical potential. They will not only be less effective if they are sleep deprived, but they will also be at greater risk of injury and fatigue.
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A Healthy, Nutritious Diet and Plenty of Water
At this stage, what you eat matters—consuming minimally processed, whole foods? To what extent are carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids being consumed? Are they replacing their fluids and electrolytes by drinking adequate water and sports drinks throughout the day?