Limited memory and rapid decision-making skills Improved tracking but limited directionality Tremendous growth but loss of flexibilityĭifficulty tracking and judging the speed of moving objects Mastering complex motor skills (eg, lay-up in basketball) Limited fundamental sport skills (eg, running, throwing and kicking)īeginning transitional skills (eg, throwing for distance)

The selection of appropriate sporting activities for children can be guided by an understanding of the developmental skills and limitations of specific age groups ( Table 1). Sporting activities should be tailored to the developmental level of the child through simple modifications, such as smaller equipment, frequent changing of positions, shorter games and practices, and by focusing on fun. Predicting sport readiness involves the evaluation of an individual child’s cognitive, social and motor development to determine his or her ability to meet the demands of the sport. By preschool age, most children have acquired some of these skills but it is not until they reach the age of six years that sufficient combinations of fundamental skills are attained to allow them to begin participating in organized sports. Each fundamental skill is composed of a series of stages of development that all children go through at different rates. The acquisition of fundamental motor skills, such as throwing, running and jumping, is an innate process, independent of sex or stage of physical maturity. Sport readiness means that the child’s motor development matches the requirements of the sport. Physicians should be knowledgeable about the child’s developmental level when assessing his or her sport readiness. By age 15, 75% of youth no longer play organized sports ( 1). Thirty five per cent of children who participate in organized sports drop out every year. Enrolling children in sports that are beyond their developmental ability can lead to frustration and early dropout. However, sporting activities must be developmentally appropriate for the child. Participation in organized sports may be an enjoyable way for children to increase their physical activity.

Physical activity is good for children of all ages.

Children athletics throwing games