What hobbies could my unsporty ( dyspraxic) DS11 try?

[SnoopLabbyLab]

DS11 loves being active, but he is not, and never will be conventionally sporty. He’s at a loose end on Saturdays as his mates all do sports and his sister is at music school. He has developmental coordination disorder and ADHD which makes competitive team sports really hard for him. Performance and drama is tricky as his dyspraxia is also verbal. In fact, anything competitive is hard as he will often lag behind, and he’s very aware of this. This is unfortunate as about here there’s a huge emphasis on kids doing rugby, football, cricket and tennis. I’m sure there are alternatives but I
need inspiration to know what to look for.

He’s a kind, sociable, bright chap, if a little lacking in self belief. He enjoys golf (only the driving range) and is an okay skier, also loves sci-fi/ fantasy and Scouts.

Any ideas of a hobby or activity he could try when all his mates are tearing around the football pitch on a Saturday? I’m happy to join in, drive him there or support him in any other way.

Gardening or wildlife forest school type activities.

Why don't you get him some golf lessons at a local golf club, most really encourage new juniors. My DS plays and it's a great sport. As it's individual he can go at his own pace. He already enjoys the driving range so he's shown its something he could enjoy. Golf does need practice though! My DS is 14 and we spent lots of time with him walking round courses etc, now we can drop him off and pick him up many hours later. He's made some good friends through playing too.

My very similar sounding kid is quite good at Climbing Walls as long as casual and non competitive and with family, goes at own pace and not with other kids, non competitive too, also just loves a good long walk in the country, exploring caves etc. Swimming was difficult but he is finally getting into it and enjoying it when not part of school. Catching games for fun with family have been recommended to me for catching practice without stress. I love going bowling with him but he is aware of not being great, silly games like crazy golf are fun too :-)

If you can find the right club, karate has been fantastic for ds who is dyspraxic and autistic. We were lucky enough to find a supportive and patient karate club when he was 6 and he's now 15. He's worked his way up through the grades at his own pace and he's now 1 belt away from his black belt, this is a boy that was on the 2nd centile for his motor skills and couldn't kick a ball, let alone play football. His coordination, ability to follow instructions, spatial awareness and confidence have improved no end too

My dyspraxic, ADHD DS does kickboxing. He enjoys it and it's really helping with his balance and co-ordination

Climbing
Sailing
Boxing
Geocaching.
Horse riding

My autistic dyspraxic son loves martial arts (he does mixed martial arts) Its focus is not just on physicality but other skills as well. It has improved his coordination and strength no end, as well as his confidence. Before this he couldn't cope with anything he considered sporty but has had a great coach who understands his challenges and supports him well.

Sailing would tick the boxes. Our local club is sociable, supportive and keen to recruit new members. Once you’ve passed a course you can hire boats cheaply. Very family friendly and they host social gatherings as well as races and casual sailing.

I started horseriding recently and love it. I'm shit at sport, no coordination, not athletic in the slightest.

Climbing. You only compete against yourself so it’s great. Really hard work and takes a lot of skill and balance so will help with those areas. Also, loads of fun! And super friendly people.

Another vote for karate. The training in precise movements can be really helpful.

Climbing

I'm spectacularly unsporty/uncoordinated (hated team sports) but for some reason was great at badminton and tennis, especially singles. Martial arts were also brilliant for me - improved my coordination, balance and focus.

Another vote for climbing! It's good for problem solving, balance, flexibility and strength. I love it! And agree the climbing community is friendly ☺️

I have nothing to add except you sound like a lovely Mum, OP. I hope you find something that suits him!

There are some great ideas in here. Thank you! I think we might get back into bouldering which he has enjoyed before, and will keep up with the golf too. I bet he’d love kickboxing!

Cross country running? Or just a running club? Brilliant to get into as its something easily carried into adulthood

Climbing sounds like a good sporty option. Is he interested in STEM/coding/robotics/maker space type stuff? My 7 year old DD sounds a bit similar and she loves all those things, and is very good at them.

Parkrun the Saturday one or junior one on Sunday?

If he likes sci-fi would he enjoy something like a D&D group? Not active but a nice social activity. There are lots of other related things, other RPGs, card games etc where it's all fun.

There's also cosplay/LARPing if there are any groups locally.

What about running / cycling / going to the gym with you?

Rowing. Running.

Ds enjoyed climbing, sailing and skiing

Horse riding

Horse riding , it’s always the correct answer .