Child and sports are an inseparable connection. But sports are different from each other. What is beneficial at 5 years old can be harmful at 15, and vice versa. How to choose a sport in accordance with age? Not to harm? And when to start "big sports"? We discuss the stages of physical and psychological development.

Preschool Age (3-6 years)

At this age, the foundation is laid: flexibility, coordination, overall endurance. The main task is not the result, but the love for movement. Ideal types: swimming (strengthening the spine), gymnastics (developing plasticity), dance, running in a playful form. Not allowed: weightlifting, martial arts with head strikes. Important: praise for effort, not for victory.

Elementary School (7-10 years)

The child is already able to concentrate, follow rules. Speed and agility develop well. What is suitable: team sports (football, basketball), tennis, martial arts (judo, karate without hard sparring), track and field. Be careful with: overtraining (not more than 3-4 workouts a week). Risk: emotional burnout due to parental pressure.

Pre-adolescent (11-13 years)

The beginning of puberty. Sudden growth of bones, hormonal changes. The age when many drop out of sports due to complexes. Recommended types: sports developing endurance (cycling, swimming, skiing). Also: basketball, volleyball. Forbidden: axial loads on the spine (barbell). Psychological support: do not tease, do not compare.

Senior Adolescents (14-17 years)

The body is almost formed. You can move on to strength training with moderate weights. Competitive sports: high loads are permissible (up to 6 workouts a week). Important: prevention of injuries (warm-up, cool-down, equipment). At this age, professional career is determined.

The main principle for all ages: sports should be enjoyable. If a child cries before training, it's not his type or his coach.

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