Health - Well-being. What is the best physical activity to introduce your child to sport?

Generally speaking, sports clubs recruit their first members around the age of 5-6. Or even earlier, from 3 or 4 years old, through activities related to the club's discipline – for example, baby judo, baby gym – or what is often called "sports awareness." In all cases, it is obviously much more about games (jumps, throws, movements, etc.) than acquiring real technical skills.

At these ages, " the notion of play is essential ," insists psychologist Esther Brelet. " These activities are mainly aimed at acquiring motor skills and balance, by moving in space." She also refers to the baby swimmer , "ideal for understanding and facilitating the relationship with water, and even later learning to swim ."

The benefits of multisport

A little later, from the age of 5-6, before deciding on a discipline, the psychologist highlights the benefits of multi-sports which, as its name suggests, aims to introduce children to several activities: ball games (football, handball, etc.), ball games (table tennis, etc.), throwing games (ultimate, which is a team sport using a disc, called a "frisbee," etc.), orienteering, circus games, badminton, climbing, etc. " It's perfect for children who don't show any preferences or are undecided ," she continues. " Not to mention that in terms of motor skills and sociability, this multi-activity is very beneficial ."

Esther Brelet especially warns parents: " Avoid influencing them to practice the same sport as you. Or the one you've always dreamed of doing. The ideal is to let them choose, whether it's because they have a taste for a particular sport or simply because they want to follow their friend ." This doesn't prevent them from taking advantage of the discovery sessions offered by clubs: their goal is precisely to get an idea of ​​the training sessions and the atmosphere.