7 Ways Playing Sports Can Improve Your Child’s Academic Habits & Performance

Parents encourage their children to engage in sports because of the many benefits they provide. Exercise is an obvious benefit, as children who are active in sports are stronger, healthier, and fitter than their sedentary peers. The risk of experiencing metabolic diseases like heart disease and diabetes is lower in those who are active, and as habits are established in childhood, this makes it more crucial for your little ones to appreciate the significance of regular physical activity from a young age.

Beyond the good health and the development of athletic skills, participating in sports also has potential to boost your child’s academic performance. Here are seven ways that playing sports can help your child excel in the classroom.

1. Improves focus and concentration

Regular physical activity can help your child’s brain function optimally. As a child participates in tennis lessons, ice skating programs or other types of sport, the release of chemicals like dopamine in the brain is increased. This can have a positive effect on how a kid performs in school as it results in improved focus and concentration as well as increased energy levels.

2. Builds confidence

Playing sports builds and strengthens self-confidence in kids. In a high-quality programme, they will be surrounded by people who can help them become better players, including their coaches, teammates and other supporters. A high-five from another player, an encouraging remark, or a handshake with their opponents can provide a sense of pride that boosts self-esteem.

Bear in mind that confidence isn’t distinguished by a loss or a victory. The key to accepting weaknesses and working to transform them into strengths is to listen and to learn, using  constructive criticism to help them grow.

Engaging in sports will also help your child to interact confidently with other people, make new friends and develop a sense of belonging. These social and communication skills will enhance how your kids deal with other activities as well, including inside their classrooms.

3. Develops discipline

All types of sports require a degree of physical, tactical, and mental discipline. Players must follow rules, practice restraint over emotions, and obey their coaches so they can grow in the sport.

The same is true when they are inside of their classroom – they need to listen to their teachers and follow instructions in order to perform well, get good grades and learn as much as they can. Discipline will help them realize their goals and reach their full potential, which is vital to their success.

4. Stimulates commitment

Many parents abide by the rule that academics precede sports. A child who performs poorly in school won’t be able to participate in their favorite sports until grades and efforts are improved. So if your child really enjoys playing tennis, they will be committed to studying their school lessons so they won’t get failing grades. The social nature of sports has inherent motivation that shows up in the classroom.

5. Strengthens patience and perseverance

To excel in sports, regular practice is crucial. When playing tennis, for instance, children need to master the correct grip on their racket as well as their body movements with each swing. Coaches will teach your child to be patient with their daily practices so they can get the results they want.

Along with practice and patience, playing a sport requires perseverance. During lessons and in competitions, there will be highs and lows. On the field of play, kids develop critical thinking skills and coping techniques that they can use to face challenges in other areas of their lives, and perseverance is instilled each time they choose to try their best after a disappointment, no matter how small.

6. Fosters teamwork

Every athlete is surrounded by a team, even those that participate in individual sports. Through sports, your child will learn that they can’t win unless they work hand-in-hand with others  Including teammates and coaches. This understanding is something they can also apply when participating in academic group activities. Relying on others and having accountability for your contribution to others’ success is indeed crucial for every individual, and a trait that is best learned in childhood.

7. Establishes lifelong healthy habits

Engaging in sports will educate your child to care for their bodies through proper stretching, exercise, food choices and even stress relief. Sports are the starting ground for establishing healthy habits that they’ll take with them as they grow, helping them to be present and engaged in their academics.

Playing sports has a huge potential to impact a child’s academic success. Featuring traits like perseverance, discipline, patience, and confidence, sports play a crucial part in helping your kid excel in school and beyond.

 

AUTHOR BIO

Possessing more than two decades of experience in the leisure and hospitality industry, Tony Kouris joined Zayed Sports City as General Manager in January 2018. With extensive career experience, a value on interpersonal relationships, and strong negotiating experience, he is positioned to support Zayed Sports City’s strategic growth and continue to innovate the site as an internationally recognised sport and entertainment destination.