It happens quickly—one day you have a toddler who just learned to use the bathroom on his own, and then you look up and all their little siblings are signed up for soccer shooting and tumbling lessons. Do we really start exercising so early? When Pop Warner football, competitive cheerleading, soccer, and other sports start so young, what sports can you start as a kid when you really know what you’re interested in? Did you know that not everyone starts at age 3 so you actually have a chance to be competitive? It turns out that many sports are best started in late elementary school and into high school, when children have more control over their bodies and attention.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most children are not ready to participate in organized sports until they are at least 6 years old, but even then, the typical rules and expectations for athletes must be simplified. In fact, by around 10 to 12 years old, children can reasonably understand the complex strategy, teamwork, and technology involved in most sports. In fact, it is not recommended that children specialize in one sport at a young age, but rather focus on free play that strengthens all muscles equally (rather than overusing some muscles and risking injury).
So, the next time you feel like you missed the opportunity to turn your child into an athletic prodigy, remember that waiting until later to start playing sports is science-backed advice. Know that you can start any sport at any age if you really want to try it, but these are some of the most popular.
01boxing
Boxing is one of those sports that can be played at any age, and if you take it seriously you can even compete in amateur and professional boxing matches in your 40s. For kids, the earliest age you want them to start boxing is between 7 and 10 years old. They will have enough coordination and listening skills to learn technical details and correct form, unlike younger children who have the energy required for boxing but will be less interested in learning technique. That is, they can actually start at any time and enjoy it just as much.
02boating
Most children join the crew between the ages of 12 and 14, when they start high school. It’s a physically demanding sport that may be harder to get into later in a high school career, but if they’re interested in starting at the same time as a group of other newbies, they won’t feel left behind in the early morning team run.
03tennis
Some kids start playing tennis at a young age, but coaches say ideally your child should be old enough to have good motor control and concentration. This is a sport that you can start at any age or stage of life, so whether your child starts in elementary school or high school, they will still be able to pick up the sport and have fun (and be competitive if they choose) yes).
04Brazilian jiujitsu
Looking for a martial art your child can learn? The ideal age to start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is between 13 and 16 years old. Many instructors will start classes earlier, but older kids and teens are better suited to learning the complex grappling techniques involved.
05volleyball
Considering the strength and coordination required to play, as well as the ability to master the rules and strategies of the game, it is best to wait until you are over 10 years old to play volleyball. It’s okay if your child doesn’t play the sport until he or she reaches varsity age. Volleyball is a sport that can be played into adulthood, so it’s worth taking up volleyball at any age.
06horse riding
As someone who has been riding horses since I was 10 years old – decades have passed since then – I can certainly see the value in growing up in the sport. That said, riding can be done at almost any age. Children in late elementary school and above are definitely more suitable for it than younger children. Riders need to be able to control their bodies well, accept complex instructions from their trainers, and take many important safety precautions around their training horses.
07golf
In fact, kids can start playing golf at any age. Parents who want their children to participate in this activity may do so early, or if your child wants to join a club, school team, or Little League, you may participate in the greens later in the school year. This is another sport that isn’t suitable for certain body types or fitness levels, so they don’t need to be in top shape to start the class.
08rock climbing
09track and field
Depending on the community league in your area, your child can start competing in track and field as early as 6 years old. But for most kids, their first exposure to these sports is through a middle school or high school team. So if your child decides to run the 500 meters as a freshman, they likely won’t be competing against lifelong athletes.
10archery
Think about it: Your child has to be old enough to pick up a bow, coordinate the nocking of an arrow, and pull it back to fire. Some children can start lessons as early as 6 a.m., but archery doesn’t require long hours of involvement in other sports and your child can easily master it.
No matter what sport your child wants to try, even if it’s one of the sports some kids start right out of diapers, it’s worth signing them up. If they really want to learn and play, they can bridge the gap with time and dedication.
