When I was growing up, I played plenty of sports. I was a member of the volleyball team, the basketball team and the track team. Basketball was my favorite sport, even though I was much better in track. At that age, playing sports helped me to build confidence in myself and also taught me to work with others. However, in high school, I only played basketball for two years, and I ran track for three years. There are many aspects of me and my life that I attribute to playing sports, but there are many hidden benefits that it instills.
The obvious benefits are the team work and confidence. Playing sports also develops a sense of discipline within an individual. Discipline is essential because although you are a part of the team, the best effort performance is put forth when each individual performs well-and good perfomance results from practice. This is common in all sports, and especially in track. Running track takes individual dedication because there may not be other people around to push you-you have to push yourself.
The second hidden benefit is work ethic, or call it ambition. In order for discipline to work, you must have a strong work habit. The motivation to practice by yourself, and the motivation makes you a self-starter. If you ever hear pro-sports players speak of their habits, they will tell you they practiced ALL the time. To be dedicated to such a degree takes this motivation, work ethic, ambition. Call it what you want-it takes initiative.
In any rate, there is no question why these aspects are valuable to everyone. We need all of these to lead a successful life. So in saying that, if any of you have a chance to volunteer or help out with kids, sports is a great learning tool-fun and beneficial.
Don't you think you could get these same values from being in the school play or playing in a band or being part of the literary magazine? There are plenty of things that build these values.
--Mike
That is a good point Mike-interaction and responsibility in other activies do the same thing. However, playing sports will keep children active as well- instead of sitting in front of a computer or TV.
Irony.
It's a shame that American public schools have become so pussified that Physical Education (i.e., gym class) involves little or no activity.
--Mike
I happen to agree with that. But that is why those who are able to give their time-get active w/ the kids.
I am one of those people who is too busy with church and music to play sports.. However, my dad has started forcing me to run with him. While I hated it at first, I now realize how important it is. I really do feel better about myself and it does help reduce stress. Even though I still hate getting started, once I'm finished I feel good. It's a lot harder to get rid of stress playing an instrument or studying, or even watching TV or taking a nap. Exercising seems to be the best way to go.
~Keri~
I want to have beautiful feet. ~ Isaiah 52:7
I agree..not only that sports help you stay in shape.
I think that working out can also make you become more motivated, ambitious, and have a strong work ethic.
Read my blog!
I totally agree. Sports teach you way more then how to just play the game. You also can learn those things through other things like that one guy said.