School days are busy days. There is the regular class schedule and then extra-curricular activities like music lessons and coding camps. There’s also the importance of rest and quality time with family. Who has time to try a new sport? Sometimes a break from school, and everything that goes along with it, is a great time to help your kids discover something new. Perhaps they’ve always wanted to play a team sport but don’t have the opportunity during the school year. Here are four popular sports to try during this winter’s holiday breaks.

Basketball

Basketball is a team sport played year round – either on inside or outside courts. A fast-moving game, basketball involves skills such as shooting, dribbling, and passing. More advanced players perfect their rebounding and defense moves.

Health benefits

Basketball players get a great workout by:

• Building endurance.
• Burning calories.
• Developing fine and gross motor skills.
• Building muscles.

Social/Emotional benefits

Basketball players also develop skills in:

• Concentration.
• Self-discipline.
• Making friends.
• Communication.
• Teamwork.

Other benefits of basketball

Many neighborhoods, both in urban and suburban settings, have free, local courts. Players can practice their skills by themselves or with a friend. They can also join in local, informal games to improve their playing ability.

Basketball is also relatively inexpensive. It’s important to have a basketball, some plastic mouthguards and decent shoes that provide comfort and support.

Find a good, quality program

Positive coaches help children learn the basics and have a great time. KidzToPros offers basketball in some excellent holiday camps over the holidays and winter break. Kids get together with other kids and try it out in a safe and fun atmosphere. Then they’ll know if it’s a love they want to pursue during the school year.

Soccer

Soccer is the most popular sport in the world and for good reason. Most countries play soccer and the fan base keeps each game full of excitement. Soccer is a great option for kids who aren’t so sure they’ve got athletic ability but want to participate in a fast-moving game with other kids. This is mostly an outdoor sport, although some areas might have indoor facilities as well.

Health benefits of soccer

Soccer is a load of fun and players enjoy the ability to improve:

• Aerobic capacity.
• Lifelong heart health.
• Muscle tone.
• Strength, flexibility and endurance.
• Coordination.
• Ability to think quickly.

Social/Emotional benefits include:

• Self-discipline.
• Making friends from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Improving verbal and non-verbal communication.
• Reducing anxiety.
• Increasing self-esteem.

Other benefits of soccer

Soccer doesn’t have huge start-up costs, which is why kids can often be found playing it in someone’s backyard or a local park. It requires a soccer ball and some decent cleats. Some players purchase goal nets, however, others can create goals with orange cones that local parks often supply for free.

Find a good, quality program

Knowledgeable coaches teach kids fundamentals and encourage them to work together. KidzToPros employs positive soccer coaches who’ve been background-checked and COVID-tested. This ensures a healthy and safe environment where kids can discover their passion for this international sport.

Tennis

Tennis is a popular sport among players of all ages. Young children can begin the game and continue playing well into older age. It engages people who want to play by themselves or with a partner and involves strategic moves as well as good eye-hand coordination.

Health benefits of tennis

Tennis is a great workout that helps players improve:

• Physical fitness.
• Metabolic function.
• Heart rate.
• Muscle tone, strength and flexibility.
• Reaction times.

Social/Emotional benefits of tennis include:

• No chance of impact with other players.
• Making friends.
• Its suitability for all ages and backgrounds.
• Reducing stress.
• Being able to play over the course of a lifetime.

Other benefits

Many communities boast clay or grass courts. Multi-skill and age clubs play informally or for competitions. There are also clubs that allow players to play for a fee. Inquire about scholarships and student discounts. Players need a racquet, a ball, a court and another player.

Find a good, quality program

Tennis instructors should teach kids the basics and proper form. KidzToPros includes tennis in its popular summer and holiday camps all year long. Campers learn the game and how to play in a way that ensures a lifelong passion starts out positive and fun.

Play It All Sports

Sometimes kids don’t know what sport they want to play. They all look like so much fun. That’s why Play It All Sports is such a popular summer and holiday camp staple at KidzToPros. Campers participate in a variety of sports including soccer, basketball, tennis and more. Well-rounded kids tend to stay fit and active well into adulthood. At the same time, they learn the values of teamwork, problem-solving, and good sportsmanship.

KidzToPros is proud of their passionate, highly trained coaches. These professionals help students strengthen and improve athletic ability while providing guidance, motivation, and encouragement. Students also learn the fundamentals of each sport through drills and games.

Health benefits of Play It All Sports

Students spend every session developing:

• Gross motor skills such as balance, coordination, and equipment/ball control.
• Improved athletic ability.
• Learning and practicing basic skills for multiple sports.
• Good exercise routines.
• Sportsmanship.

Social and emotional benefits include:

• Making new friends.
• Flexibility.
• Empathy for others.
• Learning and practicing rules, strategy, and teamwork.

Find a good, quality program

KidzToPros includes this popular sports program with every holiday camp curriculum. Kids show up to play and leave with a renewed appreciation for multiple team sports.  

As always…

Check with your pediatrician before signing up your kids for sports. These are active games with running, jumping and chances for injury should always be considered.

Encourage your children to drink plenty of fluids before and after physical activities.

Young players must warm up and cross-train so they don’t overuse the same muscles. This can help prevent injuries along with using good form, no matter the sport.

Occasionally, injuries occur due to repetition of certain movements. Correct technique from qualified coaches and instructors can help prevent this type of issue. They’ll also ensure that young players are at an appropriate level, whether it’s age or skill.