Exercise, sport and fun - but safe - sports for children from a-z

Martina Abel and Inke resting

It is becoming increasingly important to get children on the move, to actively offer them opportunities to move. This also includes the introduction to regular sporting activity, e.g. in a club. However, many parents ask themselves: what is the right sport for my child, and: what can happen during sport or is the sporting activity even dangerous for my child? In order to keep the risk of accidents while exercising as low as possible, it is important to know the requirements, the potential dangers and the social peculiarities of the respective sport and to relate them to the individual characteristics and abilities of the child.
There is an overview of the most common sports with their main characteristics and the risks involved in exercising.

Sport promotes the healthy development of children

Children have a natural urge to move. Living it out is crucial for your healthy development. But: Children today have too little or too little varied movement experience. Cramped living conditions in cities, driving instead of walking, watching TV and sitting at the computer mean that children can move less and less: There is damage to posture, obesity, but also accidents, e.g. due to poor movement coordination, lack of experience or incorrect self-assessment. Basically, the more experienced and fitter a child is, the less likely they are to have an accident.
That is why it is becoming increasingly important to get children on the move, to actively offer them opportunities to move. This also includes the introduction to regular sporting activity, for example in a club. However, many parents ask themselves: what is the right sport for my child, and also: what can happen in sport, sporting activity may even be dangerous for my child?
In addition to the many positive effects, sporting activity also harbors a risk of injury. But accidents often occur in games and sports in situations of overwhelming, being distracted or overestimating yourself. In order to keep the risk of accidents while exercising as low as possible, it is important to know the requirements, the potential dangers and the social peculiarities of the respective sport and to relate them to the individual characteristics and abilities of the child.

But which sport is the right one? Is my child suitable for this? What are the risks of doing sports? Questions about questions to which parents often find no or only a few answers.

24 sports for children

In the following, 24 common sports are described, which are intended to provide parents with guidance, the requirements of the various sports and which accidents are sometimes associated with them.
When deciding on a sport, it is fundamentally important that children enjoy the sport and the chosen sport. You should like to go to training. Applying pressure is unsuccessful in the long run. The range of sports on offer has to match the child and the daily rhythm. Children should have the chance to try the sport a few times before entering into club membership or contracts with other providers. If the first sport is not the right one, the child should be encouraged to try another one.
There is a suitable sport for every child! Even children with overweight, physical or health restrictions can have positive experiences with sports (types). It is equally important to inform yourself and try out until you have found the right offer together with the child. The local city / district sports associations are helpful when looking for special sports offers.

Sports that are not listed below are more likely to be marginal sports or are not practiced very often (e.g. fencing). There is no (negative) evaluation of this discipline.

In the following, the frequency of injuries / accidents is discussed in detail for the various sports. In general, however, it must be said that a sport is only prone to injury if the child does not meet the required requirements or only inadequately, if there are fears or the trainer is unable to use the sport methodologically and didactically to convey well.
It is therefore very important that children are introduced to the various sports according to their physical and mental level of development.

Many experts generally recommend the broadest possible basic sports training – ideally with many movement elements from gymnastics – before specializing in a sport. As long as the children are happy with it, parents should take this thought to heart. At 8-10 years old it is still early enough to learn a special sport and achieve a high level of performance – if this is the goal.

acrobatics

From its origin, acrobatics is not a sport in the strict sense, but an artistic performance that can still be seen today in the circus and variety show. These include, for example, pyramids, rollovers and jumps. For this, flexibility, strength and coordination are trained. Another important characteristic is a tolerant way of dealing with each other, the ability to adapt to others, to get involved in the team and to be subordinate if necessary, as well as a high degree of reliability.
The optimal starting age is between 5 and 10 years because the required characteristics can be built up particularly well at this age, especially if there are ambitions for competitive sports.
But in acrobatics, everyone can find their place, whether big or small, heavy or light, without the pressure to perform – the main thing is that they move: with a pyramid, the strong and heavy come e.g. down, the light ones up. And don’t forget: some figures / exercises that can best be performed with partners of the same size or of the same weight.

Where can you practice acrobatics??

Common providers are circus schools and acrobatics clubs. Trial courses or workshops are available to try out. So that the whole family can get a taste of "circus air", many organizers regularly offer family workshops. All providers must ensure that the trainers are well trained.

Do acrobatics lead to injuries and accidents?

The susceptibility to injuries in acrobatics is very low, since the exercises are adapted to the skills and inclinations of the participants. Nevertheless, strain injuries on the wrists and ankles can occasionally occur and, if strengthened, there can also be complaints on the back.

badminton

Badminton as a setback game should not be confused with badminton, as badminton is only played indoors. It is primarily an individual sport, but often it is also played in a team (doubles). The goal is to place the badminton ball over the net in the opposing field so that the opponent can no longer reach it. The game is played on two winning sets, one set being won by the girls with 11 points and the boys by 15 points. Badminton is recommended from the age of 7, although short-rackets are still used in this age group.
Badminton is a very fast, dynamic game. Due to the combination of racket and ball, it is very demanding. However, it is still easy to learn. Above all, strength, speed and a good ability to react are the decisive qualities to be successful. The social components cannot be promoted as much in individual sports as in team sports, but this is where self-initiative and self-determined action are developed more. Other motor support areas are body coordination and endurance.

Where to play badminton?

Today badminton is mainly played in clubs. In recent years, more and more commercial providers have added badminton fields to their offer. The costs for this are comparatively low, but significantly higher than the membership fee in the sports club. In Germany there are 2,700 clubs and 300 commercial facilities in which 42,000 children aged 7-14 play badminton.

Badminton causes injuries and accidents?

In badminton, the risk of injury is classified as low. With intense exercise, shoulder, ankle, or back problems may arise.
To prevent the risk of injury, good footwear is essential. Of course, one should not forget a versatile warm-up program and training with the targeted building of the stressed muscles. Regular stretching and gymnastics also improve mobility.

basketball

Basketball or primary school age mini basketball is a popular team sport game. It has grown in importance in recent years. The goal is to throw the ball into the opponent’s basket. A team consists of five players.
Basketball is a dynamic, fast-paced and athletic sport in which a combination of physical, coordinative, technical and tactical skills is learned. The training primarily trains the basic skills of throwing, passing and dribbling as well as the ability to react, orient, balance and rhythm. Mini basketball is played until the children are 10 years old: This means a smaller playing field, lower hanging baskets and a smaller ball. Only at the age of 8 or 9 do the children have the appropriate physical prerequisites to meet the high sport-specific requirements and have fun to get the game.
The team structure supports many social components. Team cohesion, mutual support, willingness to cooperate and self-confidence are developed. Here the children can experience support and promote their social skills.

Where to play basketball?

Basketball is mainly played in the club. There are often free spaces in public sports facilities, some of which can be used free of charge. Otherwise you can play anywhere there is a basket. There are 1,700 clubs in Germany in which 14,850 girls and 41,000 boys under the age of 15 play basketball.

Basketball and injuries and accidents?

Injuries and accidents are no higher in basketball than in other game sports. Since there are regular body contacts here too, one has to reckon with ankle injuries depending on the zeal and opponent. But the fingers can also e.g. get hurt in catch situations.
Good footwear should be used to prevent injuries when playing basketball, as the many fast changes of direction and jumping situations require a secure hold of the feet. Most accidents occur in duels and body contact. The warm-up before each match should not be forgotten and of course regular stretching is part of it.

Biking / Cycling

The different types of cycling (racing bike, mountain bike, BMX, bike ball, bike polo, artificial cycling, trial) are summarized under biking. Endurance, balance and body coordination are all trained, and the leg muscles are strengthened. Since it is a typical outdoor sport (but there are also some cycling halls), the focus is on the joy of outdoor exercise and the fun of speed. As a rule, training takes place in the team, so that the incentive is added by the group training. BMX bikers practice spectacular jumps and tricks on their bikes in specially designed courses. When riding off-road with a mountain bike, the experience of nature is great and mastering the terrain places great demands on the biker. The protection of nature must always be observed.
Cycling is of course also a widespread form of everyday transportation, and it is also very important for leisure activities. This sport is very gentle on joints and the entire support system and therefore e.g. also for overweight children very good suitable.

Where can you practice biking??

There are cycling clubs that also offer different types of cycling. If you want to practice this sport without a club, you will find specially marked mountain bike routes and BMX courses in some areas, although warnings must be given against privately designed, unapproved courses. Road cycling is generally practiced on public roads. There are 2,600 clubs in Germany in which 6,000 girls and 7,000 boys practice cycling.

There are injuries and accidents when biking?

The risk of injury when cycling is low. Injuries occur, if at all, from falls, mainly abrasions and bruises, in severe cases broken bones (wrist, collarbone) and head injuries are also possible. Therefore, the helmet should be worn with every form of cycling. Of course, this applies equally to cycling in traffic. Appropriate lighting, attaching reflectors to bicycles and on children’s clothing are important safety factors. In principle, children should wear clothing that is as bright and as conspicuous as possible so that drivers and other road users can see them early. The bike must be of a suitable size and the correct handlebar adjustment must also be observed. Cycling gloves minimize the risk of skin abrasion from falls.
The bicycle technology must be serviced regularly so that the bicycle is always in optimal operating condition. Children should be appropriately explained the road traffic regulation and proper behavior in road traffic should be practiced so that they can meet the requirements. The technical and coordinative skills should also be trained regularly when cycling, as they also contribute significantly to preventing falls and thus preventing accidents.

Soccer

Football is a demanding team sport that is usually played outdoors on ashes or grass fields. Indoor tournaments are also held in winter. The aim of the game is to shoot the ball into the opposing goal and to keep your own goal free from the opposing shots on goal. The team that scores more goals wins the game. In primary school age, seven players (one of whom is a goalkeeper) form a team, playing on half the soccer field for small goals. Later, as with the adults, 11 players will play on the entire field.
In tournaments and championship rounds there are teams with children who are under 7 years old. We train with children from the age of 4.
Body contacts are part of this rather hard sport. Football is a very dynamic game in which concentration, responsiveness, strength and speed and the good teamwork are important success factors. Good football training not only promotes physical skills. The promotion of personality, social behavior etc. is also part of this. The team system promotes teamwork and thus willingness to cooperate.

Where do you play soccer??

Football is played almost exclusively in the sports club. There are increasing numbers of economically operated soccer halls in Germany, but there is usually no regular training there and use is expensive. Of course, there are also numerous soccer fields where children can play football in an unorganized manner.
For boys, soccer is the No. 1 sport in Germany – on average every third boy is in a soccer club. Clubs can be found in almost every village. In Germany there are just under 26,000 football clubs in which around 1.36 million children aged 7-14 play football.

If there are injuries and accidents in football?

Football has to be classified as a sport that is more likely to cause injury. The causes are (unfairly conducted) duels and other collisions with opponents. In the zeal of the competitive game, the risk of injury is increased. Ligament and tendon injuries (knee and ankle) are typical.
A versatile training course that gradually introduces the children to the complex football game helps to avoid or minimize injuries. Regular exercises to promote body coordination and mobility are an example. Good football shoes, shin guards and an extensive warm-up program during training and before the game are also essential.
Precisely because of the early specialization in this sport, care must be taken that the training is designed in a versatile way and that the child has fun in order to prevent excessive demands and one-sided stress.

In golf, it is important to play a ball with as few strokes as possible from an area called the tee, in accordance with the golf rules, into a circular hole that is 10.8 cm wide and usually several hundred meters away. The golf course has 18 fairways, which can be over 7,000 meters long. Occasionally there are smaller golf courses with only 9 holes.
For a long time, golf was a sport that had a fairly high entry barrier due to the time and financial effort required. In today’s time, this has largely changed, as there are now more and more clubs that come up with moderate club contributions. Occasionally there are club-free golf courses where you can play for a fee if you meet the so-called "license" for it.
Golf is an individual sport that can be practiced at any age. As a rule, every golf course has a driving range and other practice opportunities, so that even beginners who have not yet obtained a license can practice the game sufficiently. Above all, golf strengthens properties such as self-control and concentration, the golf stroke requires body control, coordination and flexibility. Children learn to be their “own referee” in golf. In a complete game over 18 holes you are in the fresh air for hours.
Golf is recommended for children from 8 years of age, because it is a very technical game for which appropriate physical prerequisites have to be brought. The lowest competition category is intended for children under 12 years.

Where to play golf?

Golf is played almost exclusively in golf clubs. Training takes place in groups or in the form of individual tuition, which are usually organized by the clubs. In Germany there are 719 golf clubs in which 44,200 young people practice this sport.

Golf and injuries and accidents?

With golf, the risk of injury is very low, but the one-sided loading of the golf swing can lead to back and joint problems when exercising intensively. This should be counteracted early on with special muscle training. It is very important to consistently adhere to the safety rules (keep distance from the tee-off, do not stay in the trajectory of the ball).

handball

Handball is a team sport that is usually played indoors. The aim of the game is to throw the ball into the opposing goal. The team that scores more goals wins the game. Seven players (including a goalkeeper) form a team. The under 8 year olds play mini handball on a smaller field with a smaller goal and a special ball. Tournament games in mini handball start at 8 years old and from 12 onwards they are played on the large field.
During the game there are numerous physical contacts, handball is generally considered a “hard” sport. It is a very dynamic game in which concentration, responsiveness, strength, speed and coordination as well as the good teamwork are important success factors.
Good handball training not only develops physical skills. The promotion of personality, social behavior etc. is also part of this. Children learn here to measure themselves against others and to assert themselves, but also how to interact with others. Only a well-functioning team will be successful in handball.

Where to play handball?

Handball is played almost exclusively in the sports club. There are increasing numbers of beach handball facilities in Germany, but there is usually no regular training there. The sport is widespread and therefore it shouldn’t be difficult to find a handball club nearby. Handball is played by both boys and girls. In Germany there are numerous clubs in which 110,000 girls and 175,000 boys between the ages of 14 and 14 play handball.

In handball, injuries and accidents occur?

As a form-fitting sport with frequent jerky changes of direction and jumps, there are often injuries to ligaments in the ankle and knee, as well as finger and shoulder joint injuries.
The risk of accidents with handball is comparatively high, but there are a number of things you can do to keep it within limits: regular exercises to promote body coordination and mobility help to minimize the risk of injury. Good shoes are also essential and knee pads are recommended. A comprehensive warm-up program before the game and during training, as well as a fair playing style are further important factors for the prevention of injuries.

hockey

Hockey (old French. Hoquet: "Schäferstock") is a goalie to be played with hockey sticks. a. as field hockey, indoor hockey or lawn hockey – can be played. In hockey, two teams, each consisting of ten field players and one goalie (in the hall and on small field: five field players and goalkeeper) compete against each other. Mixed bambini teams are played from the age of 4, and the first competitions are contested from the age of 6.
Hockey as a team sport is a dynamic sport that promotes coordination skills, speed and skill. Good hockey training also promotes social behavior and personal development. Here children learn to measure themselves against others and to assert themselves, but also to work with others.

Where to play hockey?

Hockey is played almost exclusively in the sports club. The sport is nowhere near as widespread as e.g. Soccer. Depending on where you live, you sometimes have to accept a longer journey to get to training. In Germany there are 385 clubs in which around 6,500 girls and around 11,300 boys between the ages of 12 and 12 play hockey.

Injuries and accidents occur in hockey?

Since hockey, unlike other ball sports, is a disembodied game (the opponent must not be pushed or actively blocked), injuries due to physical contact occur very rarely. Also, rackets and balls, contrary to what one would expect, injuries are rare. This is due to the fact that from the beginning, strict attention is paid to compliance with safety rules (e.g. keeping the racket down). The most common problems arise from twisted ankles (ligaments / tendons) while running, stopping and abrupt changes of direction. Shin guards, mouth guards and protective gloves help prevent injuries.
Warming up before training and playing, as well as running out afterwards, are other important preventive measures – and of course fair play.

in-line skating

In contrast to roller skates, inline skating has four wheels in a row under the shoe (inline = in one line). The sequence of movements is practically identical to skating. This makes it possible to move quickly on sidewalks with the best possible road surface. Inline skating greatly promotes body coordination, balance and endurance. If the basic skills of inline skating are well mastered, there is the opportunity to learn other sports based on them.
Inline skating is also very suitable for overweight children because, unlike running sports, they do not have to constantly absorb their weight. The sport is very easy on the joints. After soccer and basketball, inline skating is the most popular sport for children in the leisure sector. Inline skaters are considered pedestrians in road traffic, i.e. only sidewalks may be used for inline skating.

Where can you practice inline skating??

Inline skating is a sport that is usually practiced disorganized as a recreational sport. Children meet up for inline skating and entire families are sometimes out on these rollers on weekends. In order to learn inline skating, it is strongly recommended to take a course that e.g. is offered by sports shops, clubs, special training centers or skate schools. In Germany there are 600 clubs in which around 3,500 boys and 4,500 girls aged 7 to 14 practice sports such as inline speed, inline fitness, inline dance, inline hockey, inline alpine and inline aggressive.

Injuries and accidents occur during inline skating?

Inline skating is considered to be an injury-prone sport. Falls can cause abrasions, bruises, strains, ligament stretching and even broken bones. The most common are falls on the outstretched arm, followed by twisted legs and falls on the head. However, most injuries happen only because basic preventive measures are not followed. So it is extremely important to wear the protective clothing intended for this sport. It consists of a helmet (normal bicycle helmet) and protectors (protectors) for elbows, wrists and knees. Brake stoppers must be fitted to the shoes.
Beginners in particular have problems braking. Inline courses – including braking and falling technique – are properly learned in beginner courses (see above). At the beginning you should also make sure to train on low-traffic routes / places with good road quality. These should have no or only a very slight slope. It is recommended to start the inline tour with a warm-up program. In addition to good inline skaters (depending on your skill level, you can buy suitable wheels), bright clothing with reflective material should be worn so that other road users can see it well.

Judo is a Japanese martial art based on fixed rules. Fall exercises as well as grips and throws are practiced and carried out, which can enable even small and weak children to defeat larger and stronger ones. Judo is also a philosophy for personal development. Judo is essentially based on two basic philosophical principles: mutual help and understanding for mutual progress and well-being and the best possible use of body and mind. The aim is to carry these principles as an attitude and to consciously express them in every movement on the judo mat.
Through judo, the children receive a versatile education in which the basic characteristics such as agility, speed, strength, flexibility and endurance are improved. It enables them to reduce aggression without injuring anyone or causing damage, because fairness is paramount. Furthermore, the respect for and responsibility for the opponent / partner is trained.

Where can you practice judo??

Judo is mainly practiced in judo clubs or judo schools. There are 2,600 judo clubs in Germany, in which 91,000 boys and 40,500 girls train.

If there are injuries and accidents in judo?

Judo is a martial art in which you can let off steam without doing anything bad, since the tricks and throws are always practiced with a partner on mats. Serious injuries occur on the collarbone or toes.
It is very important to tie the hair together and keep the fingernails and toenails short so as not to injure the partner.

karate

Karate is a martial art from Japan, the term means "empty hand" or "without weapons in the hands". Karate is characterized by punching, kicking, kicking and block techniques as well as foot sweeps. Levers and throws are sometimes also taught.
Karate promotes gross motor skills, the dosage of strength, body coordination and a sense of balance. Since these sports are performed very ritually, the children learn additional skills in terms of "can wait", "can adapt to others" and fairness.
Caution is advised when children are aggressive or frequently experience tantrums, as they learn karate techniques that can seriously injure others.
The sport is recommended from about 9 years. From this age, the children can also take part in competitions.

Where can you practice karate??

Karate is mainly practiced in clubs and karate schools. In the approximately 450 clubs that are members of the German JKA Karate Association, around 10,000 children between the ages of 8 and 14 train.

Karate causes injuries and accidents?

The risk of injury from karate is very low. The basic prerequisites for this are an in-depth relaxation and gymnastics program as well as concentrated cooperation during the entire training. Minor injuries such as Bruising occurs more often.
Climb

Climb

Nowadays, climbing is mainly understood to mean climbing as a leisure activity on the rock or as a sport that takes place in numerous variants can be operated. In most cases, the goal is to climb a given route, the so-called route, the successful completion of which is usually documented in a summit book. The climber is usually secured by a partner against falling with a rope. In parallel to climbing in the great outdoors, climbing has become established in the hall.
To try out whether climbing is a suitable sport for the child, a visit to a climbing hall is a family activity. The offers are aimed at children aged 8 and over. Climbing halls have also become popular destinations for class trips and children’s birthdays. The basic requirement for using climbing walls is an introduction to safety technology.
When climbing, not only strength and endurance as well as the ability to coordinate and concentrate are trained, but also the mutual responsibility through securing.

Where can you climb??

Climbing is an individual and team sport that can be practiced both outdoors and in climbing halls. Club offers are available from the regional sections of the German Alpine Club.

Injuries and accidents occur when climbing?

Climbing is a sport that can be practiced very safely through correct use and improved safety technology. The accident statistics show climbing as a sport that is not very likely to cause injury. A safety rope is always used on climbing walls / rocks so that no serious injuries can occur. Injuries such as abrasions or sprains are always possible. It is important both when climbing and when securing 100 percent concentration and respecting the limits of the other.
The German Alpine Club has been offering climbers the opportunity to have their skills in belaying and climbing confirmed by an exam since the beginning of 2005. Those who pass the test receive the so-called climbing certificate.

athletics

Athletics is the collective name for various running, jumping and throwing disciplines. Especially in primary school age, these are movements that children know from their everyday life and that are trained in their versatility in the clubs. A specialization usually takes place later.
Training includes elements such as running training, coordination, general strengthening, technical training, endurance training, sprints and jumping runs as well as specific strength training. Strength, endurance, speed, coordination and technique are important for all disciplines, but in different proportions.
If clear strengths then develop in adolescence, training is more and more discipline-specific, otherwise the "supreme discipline", the decathlon or heptathlon can be the first choice.
In the summer months the training takes place outdoors, in winter it is moved to the hall. Athletics is an individual sport, but the team is of particular importance because training is carried out together and, especially in the children’s and youth area, team evaluation in competitions is often more important than individual performance.

Where to do athletics?

Athletics is a typical sport that is practiced in the club. In addition, it is often possible to use public sports facilities and independently, e.g. to train with the whole family. There are 7,600 clubs in Germany in which around 130,000 girls and around 120,000 boys between the ages of 7 and 14 practice athletics.

Injuries and accidents occur during training?

Basically, the disciplines of athletics are not very likely to cause injury. Sprains, bruises and ligament stretching occur occasionally, and general symptoms of overload – especially when exercising intensively – cannot be completely ruled out. The coordination training (e.g. training the ability to react / orient and balance) should be in the foreground in children, it contributes significantly to the prevention of injuries. In addition, sturdy footwear should be worn, but not constantly to strengthen the foot muscles.

Riding (dressage and show jumping)

Originally used as a quick travel option, riding is now only used in equestrian sports and leisure activities. There are two main types of riding: riding and show jumping.
Dressage is a discipline of equestrian sport, in which the horse is brought to perform the desired task with minimal signals (e.g. turns on the spot). The dressage tasks consist of a certain number of lessons, which are shown in a certain order or in a freely chosen sequence.
In show jumping, horse and rider overcome a course consisting of several obstacles in a defined order.
Riding enables lifelong encounters with the horse as a partner. This demands and trains the child in responsibility, care and animal welfare. The horse acts as a movement trainer, promotes the development of the senses, enables learning social behavior, increases self-confidence and the ability to organize oneself. In addition, gross motor skills, body coordination and a sense of balance are promoted. Riding is much more common among girls than boys and is recommended from an orthopedic point of view from the age of 6. Also worth mentioning is the importance of riding as a form of therapy for a wide variety of diseases and disabilities, in which the positive effects mentioned above are used by the horse.

Where can you ride??

Riding is a sport that is usually practiced in the riding club. In addition, you can ride e.g. learn at a pony farm / equestrian farm (you should pay attention to the quality characteristic "FN"!). It should be ensured that qualified riding lessons are offered there, otherwise there is a risk of incorrect posture on the horse, which must then be laboriously corrected. Vaulting is recommended as an introduction to equestrian sport ( see sport “Vaulting” in this brochure). In Germany there are 7,500 clubs in which 193,000 children up to the age of 14 ride, including 168,000 girls.

Injuries and accidents occur when riding?

Basically, riding is not a particularly injury-prone sport – however, injuries caused by dropping horses are sometimes serious. There is or broken arm, collarbone or pelvis and injuries to the spine. In addition to fall injuries, there are occasional bruises and wounds, as well as blow and bite injuries by the animal itself.
That is why a good training in the correct handling of the horse is particularly important in theory and practice.
A break-proof and shatterproof helmet should always be worn to protect against serious head injuries. In addition, good riding boots, breeches, riding vests (possibly with a spine protector) are recommended.

wrestling

Wrestling is one of the oldest sports – the ancient Greeks fought wrestling matches. Today it has become a modern two-way sport. There are two directions, first freestyle wrestling and greco wrestling.
In freestyle wrestling, the whole body is used for fighting, while in greco wrestling, handles are only applied above the waist. Wrestling is a struggle waged on a round mat. This sport is mainly practiced by boys. You can also find many girls in wrestling clubs.
Wrestling combines many positive qualities, such as strength, speed, agility, agility, endurance, technique and tactics. Between the ages of 6 and 12, the focus is on expanding the range of exercise and improving coordination skills and technology. Wrestling is very versatile, in addition to grip training and strength training, a training session also includes a lot of gymnastics, fitness training and play. In addition to improving general performance, education and character building in terms of fairness, learning self-control and developing self-esteem are also important. Different weight classes enable a fair performance comparison. Fairness is the top priority for wrestlers.

Where to wrestle?

Wrestling is a sport that is practiced almost exclusively in clubs. In Germany there are 500 clubs in which 10,000 children and young people up to 18 years wrestle.

Wrestling and accidents occur when wrestling?

Wrestling is basically a low-risk sport. The following injuries can occasionally occur: “ring ear” (bruising in the area of the auricle), skin injuries such as grazes and scratches, muscle injuries (muscle stretching, bruises and cramps), joint injuries (wrist and ankle) and, in the worst case, back injuries.
Above all, emphasis should be placed on a thorough warm-up and equivalent training partners. Regular stretching, relaxation and strengthening exercises are part of injury prevention. Raising wrestlers’ attention, responsibility and consideration is also very important to prevent accidents.

swim

There are four main swimming styles when swimming: crawl (freestyle), back, breast and dolphin swimming (butterfly). These styles form the basis of competitive swimming. In primary school, learning to swim, getting used to and mastering water, and learning swimming styles like crawl and chest are in the foreground. It is important to incorporate many playful elements in order to convey the fun of the element water to the children.
Swimming promotes flexibility, body coordination and a sense of balance. Furthermore, the entire body muscles are strengthened in a very gentle way. Finally, swimming promotes endurance performance.
Even if each child has to assert itself individually in the competition, swimming is also a team sport. The individual results of the team members are added to the team result. So swimming naturally also promotes team spirit. Children learn to support and cheer each other on. Such experiences allow children to have extremely positive social experiences.
Swimming is a very good sport for overweight children as well as in therapy for various diseases, e.g. Asthma very effective.

Where can you practice swimming??

Swimming is practiced almost exclusively in the club. Wherever there are swimming pools, swimming clubs are usually found. Swimming is a year-round sport, which is practiced in the outdoor pool in summer and in the swimming pool in winter. In Germany there are approximately 2,500 clubs in which 140,300 boys and 147,340 girls between the ages of 6 and 14 swim.
In addition, of course, leisure swimming is worth mentioning. In the summer, the outdoor pools are full of children who indulge in swimming fun. As a rule, however, they are not oriented towards sports.

Injuries and accidents occur when swimming?

The susceptibility to injuries while swimming is very low. Only if the precautionary rules are not followed, will accidents occur, e.g. if children romp around the pool and slip on the wet surface or jumps accidentally occur in the non-swimmer area.
More attention should be paid to possible postural damage when swimming. Depending on the disposition and one-sided training, the tendency towards the hollow back can be increased (when swimming with the breast). Other layers favor a rounded back. The training is therefore versatile. Specialization in a swimming style too early should be avoided. You should also warm up well when swimming and not get the best performance on the first lane. In this way, any muscle strains can be avoided.
Skiing / Snowboarding

Skiing / Snowboarding

Skiing and snowboarding are two popular winter sports. While skiing (alpine) the athlete glides down the slope on two skis, the snowboarder skis across the snow on a board.
Both sports promote balance, body coordination, strength, speed and a sense of rhythm. They contribute to the development of independence, personal responsibility and self-confidence of children. In the social field, they support education in responsible behavior, tolerance and consideration.
Skiing, in particular, is a sport that can be practiced from toddlers to the elderly, because everyone can find their ability to exercise and enjoy nature in an appropriate way.

Where to go skiing and snowboarding?

You can ski and snowboard in many low and high mountains. Almost all ski areas have so-called snow cannons, which snow the slopes with artificial snow when there is a shortage of snow. In recent years, a number of ski halls have been built in Germany that allow skiing and snowboarding all year round. Appropriate courses can be taken in ski schools to learn the sport.
There are around 4,000 ski clubs nationwide, which offer ski and snowboard training with a focus on performance, mainly in the Alpine and low mountain regions.

Injuries and accidents occur when skiing and snowboarding?

Even though the number of injuries has decreased significantly over the past 25 years, skiing and snowboarding is still associated with a relatively high risk of injury. The most common causes are excessive speed and collisions with other drivers, as well as self-induced falls.
Children occasionally break bones. The most frequently affected areas are the knee, lower leg and head. When snowboarding, the wrist joints are most often affected by falls. This risk can be reduced by wearing appropriate gloves with built-in stiffeners.
In order to avoid collisions, knowledge of the piste rules and correct self-assessment are necessary.
To avoid serious accidents, a helmet should be worn; it is also important to have a correctly adjusted safety binding and functional clothing. Snow and sunglasses and good sun protection are also essential to avoid eye and skin injuries. When snowboarding, the correct fall should be practiced right from the start.
In order to prepare for skiing and snowboarding – after all, you cannot practice these sports all year round – we recommend additional sports that contribute to physical fitness, e.g. Cycling, swimming or gymnastics.

Taekwondo

Taekwondo is an ancient Korean martial art, "Taekwondo" literally means "foot – fist – way". "Foot" and "fist" stand for the most important techniques of taekwondo: kicks in all variations, in the stomach or head height, rotated, jumped, double or triple and fist techniques, especially punches for attack and blocks for defense.
The “way”, on the other hand, describes the personal development that every real Taekwondoka goes through, from white belt to black belt, from student to master. It is about more than just sporting progress. If Taekwondo is properly taught and learned, it becomes a school of character. Patience, respect for the other person, recognizing your own weaknesses and strengths, self-discipline are just a few aspects that athletes have to deal with in training.
Taekwondo is suitable for children over the age of five. The children are not only taught how to exercise in a healthy way. Silent children are encouraged to do more, hyperactive children learn to fit into a group and be considerate of others. Competition Taekwondo is good for fitness and above all promotes strength and speed, flexibility and coordination. The shape run is calmer and almost meditative, but still surprisingly exhausting.
Common to all areas is the “Do”, the spiritual dimension of Taekwondo. This appeals to many athletes who expect more from training than fun, sweating and sore muscles – an enrichment for body and mind.

Where can you learn taekwondo?

There are around 850 clubs and special schools in Germany, in which 15,768 girls and 25,236 boys practice taekwondo.

Taekwondo causes injuries and accidents?

The risk of injury is very low with Taekwondo, slight bruises occasionally occur. Regular, disciplined participation in training is a basic requirement to avoid injuries. Caution should be exercised when children are aggressive or experience frequent tantrums, as they learn techniques from taekwondo that can seriously injure others.

Dancing / ballet

Children love to dance for their lives. Through predominantly playful elements, they develop a feeling for rhythm and music. Studying dances creates first dance experiences and ensures joy in movement. Kindertanz is, so to speak, the "preschool" for the advanced courses (e.g. ballet / jazz dance / …). Through playful body work, the sense of rhythm, the sense of balance and the ability to coordinate are trained. In small groups, children quickly develop a feeling of togetherness. You learn to accept other children, to take responsibility and to fit into a group. Dance allows more freedom of movement compared to ballet.
Ballet is also known as an art form for body movement. With this form of movement, targeted training of the entire body and individual parts of the body is possible. Through the tension learned, posture, gait and expression develop into a graceful body language. Coordination, strength and rhythm are also promoted. Ballet can help identify motor deficits and work on them in a targeted manner. It is also an excellent method of postural training.

Where can you dance / ballet?

Children’s dance and ballet are mainly practiced in dance / fitness studios. Clubs also often offer children’s dance, but ballet offers are not to be found there.

Injuries and accidents occur when dancing / ballet?

The risk of injury when dancing and ballet is very low, as this is a holistic training in which the entire musculature is stretched and strengthened in a balanced manner. Overexertion symptoms may occur with intense exercise. In very rare cases, ligament injuries can occur due to twisting.

tennis

Tennis is one of the so-called setback sports. Single play and double play are common. In singles, one player plays against another. The tennis ball is hit into the opposing field via a net. The aim of the game is to score points, either through direct profit strikes or through mistakes by the opponent. In doubles, two players face each other. Tennis is played outdoors on ashes, grass and hard courts, as well as on hard courts or in the hall carpet.
The sport is characterized by intensive running, good eye-hand coordination, game overview and a high level of concentration. In the doubles, the partners have to harmonize well to make the game successful. Tennis training promotes speed and skill, as well as responsiveness. Tennis is a varied and highly coordinative sport in which endurance performance is also trained. The training is already available for children from the age of 5, whereby the focus should be on getting used to the ball and the racket. The tournaments are played by children from the age of 8.

Where to play tennis?

Tennis is mainly played in the sports club. There are also numerous tennis halls and open spaces that can be booked privately. Boys and girls play tennis equally. In Germany there are over 10,000 clubs in which around 180,000 girls and 230,000 boys between the ages of 18 and 18 play tennis.

Injuries and accidents occur during tennis?

Since there is no physical contact with tennis, there is little susceptibility to injury. Overloading can lead to the so-called “tennis arm” (painful inflammation of the forearm tendons), as well as elbow and shoulder problems (if the technique is wrong). Also typical are injuries to the ligaments in the ankle and knee, which can occur when the direction changes suddenly.
As with all other sports, it is important for tennis to warm up well and avoid overloading. Especially when exhausted, the body is susceptible to ligament injuries due to “twisting”. Choosing the right footwear, which differs depending on the condition of the tennis floor, is another important measure to prevent injuries.
Exercises for strengthening and stretching the muscles as well as for coordination and mobility should be part of the standard in order to prevent one-sided loads and to minimize the susceptibility to “twisting”.

table tennis

Table tennis is often referred to as the “fastest ball sport in the world”. In addition to a table tennis table and net, you need a table tennis ball and a racket to practice. The goal of the game is to score as many points as possible by playing the ball back and forth across the net on the table, avoiding mistakes of your own and making mistakes by the opponent through skillful play.
Table tennis is a popular sport that can be practiced in every age group and between the different age groups. A match is played either one against one or two against two in doubles. Table tennis primarily trains balance, feeling for the ball and responsiveness, as well as tactical skills (e.g. predicting the actions of the opponent). The sport is oriented towards speed and endurance. Table tennis thrives on its dynamism, excitement and speed. The sport is suitable for children from around 7 years. Due to the height of the table tennis table, smaller children in particular lack an overview of the playing field beforehand. The youngest division at the mini championships is the up to 8 years. Two further age groups (up to 10 years and 11 and 12 years) will be held at the mini championships, which are played annually until the federal final. Over 45,000 girls and boys take part in over 1,600 local decisions every year.

Where to play table tennis?

Table tennis can be played almost anywhere. First of all, it’s a classic club sport. In addition, table tennis tables can be found in many schoolyards, playgrounds, outdoor pools and leisure centers. If you have the space for it, you can also set up a table tennis table at home. Around 82,000 boys and 32,000 girls aged 7-14 play table tennis in 10,000 clubs. It should therefore be fairly straightforward to find a club nearby.

There are injuries and accidents when playing table tennis?

Injuries to table tennis are very rare. However, if you practice this sport intensively, you should regularly include exercises in your training program that promote an upright posture, since table tennis is mainly played in a bent position. Occasionally there are grazes or bruises from hitting the hand on the table.

do gymnastics

Gymnastics is a basic form of sport. It improves fitness, trains coordination skills and motor skills. The basic forms of movement of the children are promoted by versatile playing and moving on and with devices.
In addition to the classic disciplines of gymnastics, floor gymnastics and trampoline gymnastics in a broader sense, gymnastics also includes general gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, gymnastics gymnastics, aerobics, acrobatics, health sports, rope skipping and vaulting as well as various gymnastics games.
The classic devices for children’s gymnastics include bars, horizontal bars, goats, horses, balance beams, rings, and floor exercises. The training primarily trains coordination skills and flexibility. The coordination of the muscles through balanced stretching and strengthening and a wide range of movement experiences make learning other sports easier. So gymnastics is a good basis for many other sports. Many experts even recommend it as the only sport up to the age of 10, on the basis of which other sports should only be learned.
By playing and moving with peers, the children learn to assert themselves, to give in, to help each other, to cooperate and much more.

Where to do gymnastics?

Gymnastics is a classic club sport that is very widespread. Almost 1.8 million children do gymnastics in around 20,000 clubs.

Injuries and accidents occur during gymnastics?

The risk of injury when doing gymnastics is low if the training is well structured and there is sufficient time to "warm up". However, bruises and broken bones can occur if the device falls. In training, so-called help on the devices is available when learning new forms of movement or in accident-prone movements.

volleyball

In volleyball, two teams of 6 players face each other, who play volleyball over a net after a maximum of three touches in their own field. The goal is to hit the ball over the net so that the opposing team can no longer play the ball back. Volleyball is mainly played indoors. In recent years, however, beach volleyball has established itself as an outdoor variant of this sport. Two teams, each with two players, play against each other on sand.
Volleyball is a sport in which you sometimes have to adapt to game situations at lightning speed. The children learn to estimate the ball’s flight curve and to react appropriately. Power, speed, flexibility and responsiveness are important characteristics. In addition, mutual understanding and interaction (sense of belonging) are promoted.

Where to play volleyball?

Volleyball is mainly played in the club. As an alternative, clubs are increasingly using beach volleyball facilities in summer, as volleyball is much more fun outdoors when the weather is nice. Beach volleyball fields are e.g. also often found in outdoor pools. Volleyball is played by both girls and boys. In Germany there are 4,670 clubs in which 21,100 boys and 46,700 girls aged 7-14 play volleyball.

Injuries and accidents occur during volleyball?

Volleyball is a fairly safe sport for children. The risk of injury is minimal because a network separates the two teams from each other and therefore there are no opposing physical contacts. The most common injuries are finger injuries because the ball e.g. was wrongly accepted. But even these injuries are minor, as lighter, smaller balls are used at this age. Jumps and sudden changes in direction sometimes lead to ligament injuries on the ankle.
A good warm-up program before each training and training of body coordination and technique help to minimize the risk of injury. To protect the knees during sports activities, knee pads should be worn. A special tape can be used to prevent the fingers from twisting. Attention should also be paid to non-slip shoes.

Vaulting

Vaulting is gymnastics on a horse walking on a lunge. Up to three people can do gymnastics on and off the horse at the same time. An attached vaulting strap serves as a hold, which is provided with two handles and two foot straps. To protect his back, the horse also wears a vaulting blanket and a foam pad under the belt.
For children, vaulting is often the first step into equestrian sport. The advantage is that the child does not immediately take full responsibility for the horse, but this remains with the lunge operator. Operated at tournaments, vaulting is a demanding competitive sport that, like few other sports, challenges people in many ways. It is about balance, strength, tension, posture, flexibility, endurance, rhythm, concentration, trust, courage and creativity and last but not least about group gymnastics and responsibility for the horse. Similar to gymnasts, vaulting horses have well-trained basic skills that make it easy for them to learn other sports. Vaulting courses start for children from 5 years.
As a tournament sport, vaulting exists as single, double and group vaulting. The groups consist of eight or six participants and a substitute.

Where can you vault??

Vaulting is a classic club sport that is offered by many riding clubs. Training is usually done in groups of 8 to 10 children. The sport is predominantly practiced by girls.

Vaulting leads to injuries and accidents?

Vaulting leads to moderate injuries. A fall from the horse can never be ruled out, furthermore there are kick injuries and bruises. Children sometimes lack the trained view of the situation (how does the horse move and how do I behave accordingly). Another avoidable injury factor is self-overestimation, which sometimes leads to excessive stress (e.g. high exits from the horse). The consequences can be ligament injuries and broken bones. However, this rarely happens.
There is no special protective clothing. It was once discussed to wear a riding or cycling helmet when vaulting. As a result, the field of vision of the athletes is restricted too much, so that this protective measure could not be implemented.

authors

Martina Abel, Dipl. Psych., Managing Director of the Federal Working Group More Safety for Children e. V.
Inke Ruhe, qualified sports teacher, Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft Mehr Sicherheit für Kinder e. V.