Sports for ADHD Children

Thanks so much goalkeeper8!  Thanks for giving me the willpower to make it though another season.  Unfortunately I can't coach because of work obligations, and I haven't figured out those very basic rules yet anyway  You reminded me how proud my son is of his trophy.  He never realized that the team had only won one of the 10 games in the season. 

My thanks to everyone else also for sharing their experiences.

Soccer is part of the multi-modal therapy we use for our 8 year old son.  He does better in every aspect of his life during soccer season.  He expels so much energy in a positive way playing sports.  His coaches have been really positive and have made it a great experience for my boy even though he can try one's patience.

I will not put him in baseball - too much waiting and standing around.  We are trying lacrosse this spring since he can only play soccer in fall and winter.

luvmyson

I have read the thread and posted my insights.  Keep in mind that these are only my opinions.

I would like to add something about team sports. My daughter plays soccer, and what Ive found is that by focusing on the position of goalkeeper, she is much better team player because that position is fairly individualized.  So, she is still on a team but her performance is very much on an individual level.

Also, she is starting horseback riding, which forces great concentration and care, and of course is individual.  You wouldnt think you are getting a work out riding a horse, but you are!  She is the inattentive subtype so she doesnt suffer from overwhelming energy issues, like the typical H component kids.      

Whether to go with team or individual sports depends so much on the child, I think.  Mine really wanted to play soccer, and is totally outgoing and had the best team and coach one could hope for.  But he was unable to pay attention to the ball to the point that he was basically oblivious to the fact that a soccer game was going on around him, and this caused friction with those kids who were intent on playing soccer. 

Let me know how the tae-kwon-do goes!  We have been thinking about trying that, or gymnastics.

Thank you very much for your input. I also thought individual sports would be better, and just yesterday signed him up for tae-kwon-doe (or however it's spelled)...I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks again!

It depends on his personallity more than the fact he has ADD. ADDers are either very shy or over the top outgoing. If they're shy they might feel more comfortable in an individual sport. Of course on a team sport they could also build up a group of friends. Alot of times friendships are formed easier on sports teams because the ADDer doesn't seem as different or out of place to there peers as they do in the classroom environment.

Obviously if you have an outgoing kid they will probably prefer the attention and comraderie of a team sport.

Most important make sure you find out what sport he'd be interested in trying. I've seen a lot of parents decide there child will play soccer or they're joining the basketball team. The wrong sport or wrong group of kids will negate any benefits of joing the team in the first place.

My son has been involved in a variety of sports for many years without any issues even before being diagnosed with ADHD. He actually was a pretty good  soccer player, even scoring the winning goal during the playoffs.

But since he was diagnosed approx 3 months ago, & been on meds as well, we've noticed that he listens to his instructors so much better.

In terms of enrolling your child.....why don't you ask him what he would like to do? My son enjoys a wide range of sports...playing soccer (winter/ spring/summer), swimming lessons, hockey lessons, basketball, extreme sports, baseball, etc.  

Please don't just enroll your son only in individual sports. As CSMOMMY duly noted, Team sports are a great way of making friends.

With the exception of baseball(way to slowwwwwwwww!) there isn't a team sport offered through our Rec. that my son doesn't play.  In the Fall it is soccer & football, winter 2 different basketball leagues, & spring is soccer & he is just starting lacrosse.  

Several years ago he did Tae Kwon Do, & finished as a 1st degree Blackbelt, but it just got way to expensive & it interfered with his team sports practices.  If your child can do team sports try to keep him in, it is the best way to make friends with his peers. 

We enrolled our son in ski classes last year and he liked it. He started again yesterday (all day race squad) and we couldn't get him off the hill. He absolutely Loved it. Initially I was worried that he wouldn't be up to par with the rest of his group but he kept up to all the other kids who have been skiing 3 to 4 yrs. Not only is it a great physical sport but I found that it really boosted Dylan's self esteem.    

My son is involved in everything as well.  He takes basketbal, baseball, soccer, swim and open gym/sports mix, cooking, crafts, sign language(his request), cubs, ball hockey, what I have found though is when it is a league he gets over whelmed with his high expectations of himself.  He is so encouraging to others, but doesn't do himself this favor.  It can be very emotional.  He stomps off trying desperately not to cry when he misses his own expectation.  It is heartbreaking to watch.  His mates often make fun and or question his outburst and he feels worse because he is embarrassed.  He is actually quite skilled in sports, but the league idea seems to freeze him with fear/hesitation.  He keeps going back, and I give him credit for that. 

I finally offered him a special reward to help with holding in his emotions, he was successful and this in itself seemed to boost his esteem a little.  He still gets hyper before a practice or game.  I do not advocate stuffing feelings, yet I can see that his outbursts do not benefit him.

Goodness, this feels so good to talk with people who have been there.  I feel so much better.  Not alone.  Thank you.

I have played sports all my life.  From football, soccer, baseball, karate, etc..  I love team sports as well as individual sports.  But if I had a choice I would pick team sports.   This is because of the friendships that I have made.  However, every child is different.  Don't focus so much if it is an individual sport or a team sport.  Focus on what he seems interested in and what position he would like to play.  He may have ADHD but he is still a child.  Keep in mind that every parent wants their child to be in professional sports but only a select few get there.  If he does not do well do not focus on ADHD but focus on coaching skills on the particular sport.  If he still does not do well and does not want to participate in sports respect that and don't push.  Sports is not for everyone and there are other things that will teach him to be competitive.  I am a former football coach for 10-13 year olds. 

My son who is now 14 wrestled for four years.  He went 54 victories before losing a match.  That's right 54 first place medals and trophies.  He eventually did lose.  He has also played other sports and was very successful.  But one day he called it quits and did not want to rejoin any sport and wanted to take up the Saxaphone.  Yikes!! But he is his own person and I respect his decision.  He is the best sexaphone player in school! First chair.

Once your child has chosen a sport have him chose a position.  From there treat that position as an individual sport.  For example if he is a lineman let him know that the battle is between him and the person he is blocking.  It then becomes an individual sport.  Basketball for exmaple.  If he choses to be a point guard tell him to be the best point guard and teach him about the position.  Some of the best basketball players in the NBA are the worst shooters and have the lowest amount of baskets.  Baseball is another example.  See which position he choses and tell him about the position and what he has to do to be the best at that position.  He doen't have to hit home runs to be considered great or even good.  Some of the best baseball players have hardly any home runs evey season. 

I played soccer and was a goalkeepr all my life.  I loved it because someone once told me that it was the best position because I was able to play the whole game.  Who else gets to play the whole game.  I did get upset when we lost a game but I made it an individual sport as well.  I knew that the best goalkeeper in the league was the one that had lowest amount balls scored.  So I pestered my parents to find out what the scores where of all the other teams that where playing that weekend and I would rate myself.  I was always ranked high if not number 1.  I did this for every sport that I played.  It made it a team sport and an individual sport. 

Help!  My son insists he wants to play soccer again this spring so we signed him up.  He usually has fun talking to the other kids, but during a game will lie down on the field and pick dandelions  They don't have goalkeepers but 2 defensive players.  He was only on defense once last year and that was in practice and the coach didn't put him back because all he did was talk to his fellow defensive player, they were standing there with their backs to the ball facing the goal and engrossed in whatever.  He is not agressive around other kids so won't approach the group that is surrounding the ball, and not very athletic or coordinated, so offense doesn't seem to suit him either.  He only kicked at the ball twice during the entire last season (the ball bumped into the back of his feet a few times but that doesn't count). 

How can I help?? We practice at home and he can kick the ball, and he can run, but won't do it on the field, too many distractions maybe.  How do you all help your child to pay attention to the game they are playing?  We call his name and ask where the ball is, and more often than not he doesn't know.  He is 5 and we are not considering meds at this time.  Do you think offense or defense would be easier for him?

Help!  My son insists he wants to play soccer again this spring so we signed him up.  He usually has fun talking to the other kids, but during a game will lie down on the field and pick dandelions  They don't have goalkeepers but 2 defensive players.  He was only on defense once last year and that was in practice and the coach didn't put him back because all he did was talk to his fellow defensive player, they were standing there with their backs to the ball facing the goal and engrossed in whatever.  He is not agressive around other kids so won't approach the group that is surrounding the ball, and not very athletic or coordinated, so offense doesn't seem to suit him either.  He only kicked at the ball twice during the entire last season (the ball bumped into the back of his feet a few times but that doesn't count). 

How can I help?? We practice at home and he can kick the ball, and he can run, but won't do it on the field, too many distractions maybe.  How do you all help your child to pay attention to the game they are playing?  We call his name and ask where the ball is, and more often than not he doesn't know.  He is 5 and we are not considering meds at this time.  Do you think offense or defense would be easier for him?

[/QUOTE]

I have coached soccer for 5 years & am currently coaching both 3-4 boys & 1-2 girls.  Whenever I have a child like that on my team, I give them a specific job.  This has really worked for me.  They feel special because they have a job & it helps them stay in the game.  I will constantly, verbally & non-verbally, keep them into it.  Your son is young, many kids daisy- pick until they are 8. 

As for offense or defense its depends on if he is afraid of the ball or getting into a group that is kicking maddly at the ball.  If he is not afraid, then offense is a good place, & in the middle.  They see the most action & he will be able to focus better if challanged.  I suggest one of his parents should coach, assistant coach, or be a team parent.  This might also help him be involved if you are.

We have found that wrestling - which can be a team sport and individual sport - has been wonderful for him.  It has more structure than any other sport he has done - t-ball and soccer. He truly enjoys it.

no no, the coach puts him in, just not on defense.  The coach is nothing but fantastic, although will likely have a different coach this season.  We put absolutely no pressure on him, just want him to have fun, which he does much of the time and all is good that way.  And we don't drill at home, just kick the ball around in our yard and laugh alot!  His self esteem is fine so far, but this is what I worry about. 

The problem I guess, is that the other kids both on his team and the teams they play (all his age) are actually interested in playing soccer.  They don't want to have a conversation with him in the middle of the game, they don't want to play "find the penny in the dirt" during practice drills, they want to kick the ball and they have every right to.  They get very aggravated with my son when he follows them around chatting because he just wants to play one of his games with them.  He has often been shoved, and even hit by the other kids because he won't leave them alone, then he runs off the field crying.  There is no parental pressure on him to play (big hugs and kisses and wasn't that a fun game, and ignore the looks from other parents), but he seems to be making more enemies than friends!

I really appreciate your input, from a coaches point of view.  Any suggestions?

I have an 11yr old son who was diagnosed at age 3. He has played baseball for the past 4 yrs and decided this year he really didn't want to play but I think alot of it was because the others boys were terrible and would harass him if he struck out or the coach wouldn't let him try other positions on the field because their goal was to win not to learn the fundamentals of baseball or have a good time so one too many of these boys and coaches ruined it for us as far as baseball goes but maybe that will change for him in junior high or highschool. But any way we signed him up for Tae kwon do and he really enjoys it the only problem is getting him to balance his school work with that because he stresses about his homework and then doesn't want to try or play any sports that he might enjoy and Taekwondo is only for an hour after school but to him that's an eternity so any suggestions would be great. But he does really love the class. He also really likes to draw so I was at Michael's one day it's an art n crafts store and saw that they offered drawing classes for children for 1hr every Friday given by a college art major and he loves it. But I just told my son atleast give something a try once but you have to see it through and if you like it you like it and if you don't lets move on to something else until you find something that just clicks with you. Hope this helps.

=JagsGator]Our six year old son was diagnosed this past summer...We're looking for sports that he will enjoy playing without causing additional stress and frustration for him or the rest of the family (he has played soccer for three seasons, and has chosen not to return this year). Should we look at individual or team sports? Thanks for your help![/QUOTE]

Boggled,

Those are some real concerns from a parent that loves their child.  It's nice to hear from parents who take the time to gather information to make good decisions for their child.  Here are some suggestion.  The goal at this age is to teach him the fundementals.  Will children at this age retain all that is taught.  Unlikely.  Some will but most won't.  Make sure that every year that he plays that he learns at least one thing he did not learn the previous year.  Again fun is the key.  Kids will continue to do things that they have fun with not what they are good at. 

If the kids on his team can't relate to your son or he is being a problem for him then that is not the team for him.  See what your options are.  If it's early in the season there may be a possibility that he can change teams or you will have to switch with another parent.  But before switching teams you will need to investigate what team he would fit in the most with.  Most likely you will be stuck on that team.  Be positive don't worry about the other parents.  Don't listen to comments that you over hear and ignore laughter and facial expressions.  Continue to coach your son from the side lines at home if you wish.  But be positive.  Most parents are trying to relive their youth through their child.  Don't fall in to that trap.  At the end of the season remember the kids that are on the team and the coach.  Choose not to be on this team next year.  Nothing against the team just not a good fit for the child.   

I hate to say this but find the team that most likely has an unexperienced coach.  In this league you will often find parents that never played soccer or know very little.  So to adopt to their ignorance they focus on just having fun.  At this age they don't actually keep track of wins or loses.  Everybodys a winner for coming out and playing.  My point is find the team that is most likely not experienced (losing record).  Most coaches even at this age are looking for approval by parents that they are doing a great job.  The best way to get approval is to win.  Now I fall victim to this every year.  I want to win even if they are only 5.  I want to show the parents that I can really coach.  But fortunately I never lose sight of what's important. Fun.  If they have Fun! They will want to come back that's my real reward.  But coaches with out any knowledge of soccer will look for approval through fun!  If the kids are having fun then that's all that matters.  Find those type of coaches. 

Your son will have fun because the kids will most likely talk to him and mesh better with him.  At the end ask if he had fun and what was the funnest part.  It may not be soccer related but at least he is not crying.  Eventually it will click and his soccer skills will start to develope.  Besides highschool is so far away.

I have a five year old little boy.  I have coached him the past two years.  He is not much of a soccer player.  He likes to play with the grass and will throw dirt in the air.  He even runs to the bench and grab a drink then sit down and watch the rest of the team.  It's funny and the other kids do similar things as well.  But I love it when soccer season is over and my son tells me I am his favorite soccer coach and he can't wait for soccer season.  Boggled, at this age you may want to be the coach.  Give it a shot.  Focus on having fun.  The rules at this age are extremely basic and no where close to regulation soccer in high school or college.  Pretty easy stuff.  Give it a shot!