Can anyone recommend a sport for DD please?

[skankingpiglet]

DD1 (5.5) is very active and loves having a go at different sports. She currently swims and does gymnastics regularly, but is getting very frustrated at her lack of progress in gym and I suspect will soon ask to do something else instead (she's been doing it for 2.5yrs). I think she's finding it hard as whilst she is very strong and has really good stamina and flexibility, she really struggles with coordination. Obviously keeping at the gymnastics would improve her coordination in time, but she's becoming quite demoralised and I don't want to end up having to force her to do something she doesn't like each week that is supposed to be a recreational activity.
Swimming has the same problem (can swim for a long time/distance for her age and size, but has struggled to grasp techniques at the same rate), but she is happy swimming as she is still 'progressing' earning distance badges, and enjoys leisure swims.

She struggles with confidence, and it would be great to have her doing another sport she really enjoys and is good at to boost this. Can anyone think of a sport that suits a younger child and is less balanced towards coordination? I thought perhaps rock climbing might work, but the nearest place is a bit of a drive so looking for other suggestions too please.

If you are after a team sport, have a think about hockey. She may be a teeny bit young yet though - our club starts from 6 but some may take younger. Hockey is a great sport for all ages and abilities and most clubs are very welcoming and inclusive. One of the benefits of opting for a less popular sport is that, in my experience at least, there is a less aggressively competitive atmosphere than in some of the bigger sports clubs. So kids who maybe take a bit longer to get the hang of things or who have a bit less natural ability still get plenty of opportunities. Our hockey club has youngsters with additional needs playing alongside those who are on county and regional squads and all points between, and they all look after each other. By contrast I have friends with children in other more popular sports where every week there is angst over who has been picked for what team, and kids (and parents sadly) yelling at players who make mistakes. Hockey has a good and clear progression pathway for those who want and have the ability to take things further, but those who just want to play for fun are equally welcome in all the clubs I know.
For a more individual activity, cycling has a lot to offer. There are so many different kinds of riding and it can be competitive or not. There are British Cycling Go Ride clubs for kids in most areas where you can get good quality age appropriate training at relatively low cost.

Football
Or a multi-skills sports class

I was going to say karate (and I have been an instructor) - yes as you get more advanced you do need to be more coordinated, but a good instructor will work to get the best out of your child and help them adapt to their strengths. Your child should be encouraged to move at their own pace. Tbh when I started karate I noticed my spatial awareness improved to the extent it was helping with my aptitude in other sports ie netball.

What about riding? Especially if age can be a nervous child, horses are great for confidence - and a cuddle.

Archery? I took DS to a taster session at a local club and we both had a brilliant time. Lots of children of all ages there too as it's a very family friendly club. We are both joining in the spring!

Are you near anywhere that does CrossFit kids or junior CrossFit? It has done my Dd absolute wonders in confidence fitness and focusing what your body can achieve rather than what it looks like.
Be careful though it's not regulated and while there are some wonderful gyms and coaches some are a bit lax about standards of safety etc

I really do think cheerleading could be a good fit. As it's a team and everyone is in the team regardless, they have their position and the coaches work with the skills they have.

A couple of posters have mentioned Allstars Cricket so I thought I would put a link in for you

My friends’ son is dyspraxic, and really struggled with all the school sports. Climbing has been brilliant for him.

It sounds like she’s doing loads for her age. I’d leave it at that, see how things go and have another think in 1-2 years. DD wasn’t doing any sport at all at that age. Started swimming at 7 ish,did junior parkrun for a bit and has now taken up hockey and netball at 10. All of which she’s enjoying. There’s no rush.

OP she's 5 1/2 I really think you need to chill out a bit.

It sounds like she's doing great in swimming, in terms of proper strokes they just don't get it that early ime of two of them. Dd1 is a competitive swimmer and was honestly rubbish when she was younger 🤷🏻‍♀️😂. Dd2 it's all properly coming together at 8 and she will probably follow that path also (dd1 though was still in stage 5 at this age)

Cycling again she sounds normal, running she sounds normal. If she likes all 3 then in future she can do Junior tri or something else. Both of mine also do athletics club.

In the mean time just get her to try out lots of different things and she may well find something she truly loves in the process.

And park run/ junior park run are both good second that ^^