How to stop DS1 (7) 'giving up' so easily?

[Legacy]

Having real problems with DS1 (7) and his attitude to competitive sporting activities. He's not the most naturally sporty boy, but he's tall and strong, and is confident at biking, swimming and taekwondo.

However he resists all forms of competitive, team sports. We let him give up football coaching last year, as he really wasn't enjoying it (and we'd had quite a few issues with some of the other 'sportiest' boys in the class making horrible remarks about him not being very good etc. )
He now goes to rugby at the weekend, but that hasn't really got very competitive into matches yet - more just coaching/training.

But he is just so 'anti' any team/competitive sports, I'm now really worried he's been more deeply affected by the football bullying etc.

Today for example, DH had the day off, and we suggested that we go down to the park to knock a few balls around on the tennis court (as DS2 (5) had expressed an interest). DS1 had an immediate complete meltdown - major tantrum, saying he didn't want to go/ he's no good at tennis (he's never actually tried!) and every excuse under the sun.
We made him come with us however, and to be fair he was OK for about 10-15 mins, but he just wouldn't let DH or I show him how to hold the racquet, or how to approach the ball, or anything. And then after he'd missed a few shots in succession (all "our fault" 'cos we were hitting the ball too far/ hard/ high, apparently....) he then stormed off, and sulked at the side for the rest of the time while DS2 happily ran around.

We just can't seem to get through to him that he has to work at things to get better. He gives up so easily and then just refuses to engage. It's so frustrating.
This isn't an isolated example - he was the same when he started skiing, and he tends to be similar with anything that needs a bit of practice.
He seems to expect to be able to master everything straight away?
Any suggestions?

[PeachesMcLean]

Tricky one this. My DS (nearly 6) also tends to hate anything he has to practice at and throws a strop. A few thoughts:

• He's only 7 and perhaps shouldn't have to work at anything. I'd be tempted to give up once he gets fed up (if it's not fun, why persevere?)
• I'm sorry to hear he was bullied. I had that as well at school and it does put you off things.
• Some children just don't like ball games. I know I didn't but was fine with swimming, running. But hated anything competitive. Can you encourage him in something else completely unrelated?
• Sounds like he does a lot of activities? I think at 7 it's just "experiences" you should be aiming for - not practise.

I dunno. I'm no expert but those are my thoughts anyway. He sounds quite normal to me.

[Legacy]

Thanks Peaches.
Good thoughts, and yes, I'm with you on the 'just find things he enjoys' front really. I think it is more of an issue for DH who finds it very frustrating, but then I wonder if perhaps he is re-living some of his own childhood experiences and frustrations?