Some kids mature more quickly than others. You need to match your child with a sport or exercise activity they are ready for. It means knowing whether they can work in a group, whether they can follow instructions, what their abilities and interests are. Before they hit age 5, throwing, catching, running, and jumping are as close as kids come to 'sports,' says Churley. Save hockey for later, but nurture interest by letting young kids hold a stick, push a puck, possibly try ice skating, says Churley.
Young kids can get on a swim team relatively early.
Attention span is another issue. A young child's mental focus bounces around. Practices can't last longer than 15 minutes, and skill development should be the goal, says Churley. Often, these kids can't internalize verbal instructions. Between ages 6 and 9, children have better visual and motor skills.