Infants and children develop motor skills that begin with batting at objects, to walking, running, and jumping. Joyfulness is evident in this process. Given a
small amount of space and just a little encouragement, children in all cultures follow the same pattern of motor skills development.
Caregivers of young children are encouraged to provide several hours a day for children to practice basic motor skills by playing, running, climbing, sliding,
swinging, and hopping. These basic skills only need mild stimulation in order to develop. It is clear that given an exciting playground and plenty of
opportunity, children will build strength and coordination without any instruction.
School-age children are ready for the more organized practice of skills that need precision. Skills, such as hitting a ball with a bat, throwing a ball at a target,
and dribbling a ball with the foot, all require effortful, repetitive practice. Many parents want their children to engage in competitive sports as early as 4 years
old.
When should children begin competitive sports?
For this Discussion, you will explore this question by analyzing the skills needed to engage in a specific sport and consider the motor milestones that provide
the necessary foundation of strength and coordination. You also will consider the likelihood of injury to a young body. Injury tends to occur when the child is
encouraged to ignore pain.
To prepare for this Discussion:
Review the article, “Sport Readiness in Children and Youth,” as well as the online article “Preventing Children’s Sports Injuries.”
Think about one sport that you would encourage a child to play.
Consider the basic motor skills that are present in early childhood.
With these thoughts in mind:
By Day 3
Post the sport you have chosen and the age it is developmentally appropriate for a child to begin participating in the sport. Specify the motor skills required
for the sport you have chosen by including a descriiption of the foundational motor milestones and the precise skills needed for the child’s success in the
sport. Explain the potential injuries or possible negative aspects of engaging in this sport at too early an age. Summarize your post with a brief explanation of
how the child may benefit by the introduction of the sport at the particular age you recommended.