7 Skills Baseball Teaches Your Child
Photo: JagPhotography.com
There are many reasons why baseball is a great activity for your child starting with, it’s just a great way for your children to stay healthy and physically fit.
But that’s just a small part.
Whether your player is on a rep traveling team or elects to play house league, baseball nurtures a number of different life and physical skills.
Our top 7 reasons for encouraging your child to play baseball:
1. BASEBALL ENCOURAGES TEAMWORK
On the surface, baseball appears to be an individual sport, it’s really more about the team than the player. Ever wonder why a batter purposely gets out? It’s called TEAMWORK! Beginning at a young age, kids learn that being a part of a team is more important than being the star. Kids learn to work together and cheer each other on.
2. BASEBALL ENHANCES MOTOR SKILLS
All sports are great for enhancing gross motor skills. Baseball in particular helps kids build core muscle strength, leg muscles and upper body strength. As kids get stronger, they gain greater balance and control which improves their overall skill and level of success. Players increase stamina and endurance as well as build muscle strength and coordination. Cardiovascular exercise that takes place during practice and a game helps improve lung capacity and increase metabolism. And players learn that if they want to do well at baseball, they have to take care of their bodies, and themselves.
3. BASEBALL INCREASES MOTOR PLANNING
Baseball involves a great deal of motor planning. Kids have to know where to hold the bat, how to balance it, and then know exactly when to swing. It doesn’t just involve strength. It requires concentration and careful motor planning. Getting your head to tell your body exactly what to do when you want it to do it can be very difficult for some kids. It takes practice and determination to master this skill.
4. BASEBALL IMPROVES FOCUS & ATTENTION
Compared to soccer, baseball wouldn’t be considered a fast action sport. When players aren’t running the bases, they are either standing at an outfield position waiting for a play or hanging out in the dugout. Players have to keep their eye on the ball at all times to know when they need to catch, who to throw to or when to steal. Players on the bench also need to pay attention to the score, number of outs and who is on base. Paying attention to the small details can mean the difference between a win and a loss.
5. BASEBALL BUILDS PATIENCE
Baseball can be a stressful sport. Think about it, a player only needs to do well at bat 30% of the time in order to be considered amazing! Baseball players learn patience at a young age. They learn to patiently wait their turn at bat, take time to hit the ball and patiently wait for the perfect pitch to hit the ball out of the park. Waiting not only builds patience – it improves focus and attention.
6. BASEBALL ENHANCES SOCIAL SKILLS
Joining a baseball team is a wonderful way for kids to make new friends and build on current friendships. Players also learn socially appropriate behavior such as respect, turn-taking and following directions. They also learn to support each other and provide a positive environment for the entire team. Being part of a team while learning new skills is a great way to build confidence.
7. BASEBALL PROMOTES FAMILY INVOLVEMENT
Baseball is not only a great way to introduce children to sports, but it’s a great way to get the entire family involved. Baseball offers many opportunities for parents to get involved with their child’s athletic career. Whether it’s volunteering for a specific event or coaching your player’s team, it’s a wonderful way to spend time with your child and meet other families.
North York Baseball Association is now registering players for our House League series, for boys and girls 7-16 years old. Learn more and register your player here. If you are looking for a more intense and more dedicated level of play, you and your family may be interested in one of our rep/select traveling teams. There are a few teams still looking for players.