A pickup game is always a great way to enjoy a sport without the commitment or fees associated with joining a league. "Nobody says you have to be in a league or on a team to get enough physical activity," says cardiologist and Heart and Stroke Foundation spokesperson Dr. Beth Abramson. "Playing casual pickup games can also be a great way to get the heart pumping."
Here are some sports that your kid can get out and play without much preparation or equipment. You might even have the supplies tucked away in your garage already!
Baseball
Minimum equipment: baseball bat, glove, helmet, baseball.
Baseball is one of Canada's favourite pastimes, but it's also a popular game in Asia, South America and many other places around the world. The game helps to improve hand-eye coordination and running skills. What's more, the game is a great way for you and your kids to bond – playing catch in the backyard. Read the Major League Baseball guide to baseball basics.
Basketball
Minimum equipment: basketball, basketball net.
Looking for a fun, challenge game you can play indoors on rainy days? Basketball is a great choice. This sport encourages kids to develop their speed, stamina and hand-eye coordination. It's not just a boys' game either. Girls can have a blast with this fast-paced sport, too. The best part? If you have a local community centre with a court, your kid might be able to borrow a basketball and play entirely free. Learn more about basketball at the International Basketball Federation website.
Bocce ball
Minimum equipment: a small ball, two larger balls or a bocce ball set.
Bocce ball is an Italian game, but it is played around the world from Australia to South America. If you have a Bocce ball set, you may have already pulled it out for the summer. Get your kids in on the fun by teaching them how to play this simple lawn bowling game. In Bocce ball, you throw a small ball called the pallino or jack, and then two players take turns trying to get their larger balls as close as possible to the first one. Get the rules of play at the Bocce Standards Association.
Soccer
Minimum equipment: shin guards, knee-high socks, soccer ball, net or two markers to represent a goal.
This month is the perfect time to introduce your child to the heart-pumping action of soccer. Soccer, or football as it's known outside of North America, is played all over the world. When the competition heats up in June for the European Soccer Championship and Beijing Olympics, you'll start hearing about it everywhere you go. Show your kid how fun it can be to play! Learn the international laws of the game. Read about Canada's soccer teams.
Cricket
Minimum equipment: a cricket bat, ball and two wickets.
Like baseball, but with different equipment and rules, cricket is a big sport in India, Pakistan, Great Britain, South Africa, Australia and many other countries. While some types of cricket games can last days, one-day cricket can be played in an afternoon. Learn more about this sport. Visit the Canadian Cricket Association.
Children's likes and dislikes can be very diverse, so don't be surprised if your child has a different sport in mind. Dr. Abramson says, "The most important thing is that children get out and active for at least 60 minutes most days of the week. If they like the game their playing, they're more likely to get the activity they need and you'll hardly have to persuade them at all."
Learn more about the physical activity needs of children.
Posted: June 1, 2008
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