Why Modified Sports Are Perfect for Children

Why Modified Sports Are Perfect for Children

Sports have been known to offer a lot of benefits to man, irregardless of whether the sport is done for leisure, fun, or competitive purposes. Thus, children are encouraged to engage in sports and other physical activities, as these are known to foster cognitive and physical development, which are also beneficial for their age. It is also believed that such activities also help to enhance their self-confidence and a belief they can be more successful in the future as they venture out to pursue their own career path.

But it is also natural for parents to worry about the health and safety of their children. Thus, the concept of modifying sports was innovated and is now becoming more popular as a safer option for children. In fact, it feels more like fun games while incorporating the benefits that sports has to offer them.

Tips for Modifying Sports

Modified sports offers a huge difference from the typical sports done by adults. Here is how they can be modified to make it a lot safer for the children to be involved in:

a) Reduce the size of the playing court or field.
b) Use smaller sized balls and pieces of equipment.
c) Change the rules to become more lenient due to skills limitation.
d) Reduce the amount of time spent on playing the game.
e) Add the amount of protective gears used.
f) Focus more on the game and fun aspect of it, instead of the competitive aspect of the sport.

Common Sports That Are Modified for Junior Athletes

Since the advent of modifying sports for children, there has been numerous sports that have been reduced in intensity level to make them an ideal choice for junior athletes. Some of the most popular sports currently in practice by junior athletes are cricket, golf, tee ball, soccer, netball and little athletics.

Because of the rising popularity for modified junior sports, there are also several pieces of sports equipment designed for children currently available for purchase. Parents should obtain the appropriate piece(s) of equipment as tailored to their child’s chosen sporting activity. This will increase the child’s safety during play.

Benefits of Modified Sports

If you want to get your child into sports (albeit the modified version), here are some of the reasons you should pursue it:

a) The modified version is as fun and exciting to play as the actual sport from which it was derived. Thus, children will still remain motivated to participate.
b) It is challenging enough for the younger participants, whilst increasing your child’s safety.
c) It offers a great avenue for skills development and facilitates the natural growth and progression of your child.
d) It inculcates the importance of sports and outdoor activities for your child, while eliminating the level of physical demand.
e) It offers an even playing field for children of all sizes, ages and skill level.