Why you should consider non-competitive sports for your kid

There is no doubt that competitive sports have a lot to offer. From team work to communication, they have the ability to instil certain life skills in kids which will last them a lifetime. However, it is important to note that not all kids can thrive in a highly competitive   environment. Such an environment can take a toll on their confidence leading and even have them quit the sport altogether. Non-competitive sports are steadily becoming popular, and can be an ideal option for kids who reel under performance pressure in a competitive sport. 

What are non-competitive sports? 
Non-competitive sports are those which do not involve a team, or require a competition. Some examples include: aerobics, fishing, hiking, skateboarding, surfing, kayaking, archery, etc. These sports enable kids to hone their skills, promote self-growth and challenge themselves in an environment that is devoid of external competition.  

Benefits of non-competitive sports 
Non-competitive sports can be a good alternative for those who cannot handle the stress of being in a team, or those who take more time than the rest to learn a team sport. Such sports provide the same fun and activity required to lead a healthy life. Here are the key reasons you should consider them for your competition-shy kids. 

Help in building life skills: Non-competitive sports can be just as challenging as their competitive counterparts. However, the challenge here is to compete with one’s own self to improve the score, time taken or the quality of skill required. Thus, such sports should not be perceived as less challenging or demanding. They make the players more aware about their own level of skill and how they can make progress. 

Develop the right attitude towards life: As non-competitive sports do not involve anyone but one individual, they make for a healthy environment where kids can enjoy sports for right reasons and in the right way. This helps in the development of a healthy and mature attitude. In a non-competitive sport, kids learn to appreciate the practice of playing the sport itself rather than aiming to win. 

Allow a flexible schedule: Non-competitive sports enable kids to decide an appropriate schedule. Unlike team sports where practice timings are usually non-negotiable, non-competitive sports depend on an individual’s convenience. This flexibility translates into an opportunity to develop better time-management skills and reserve time for academics and other extra-curricular activities too.