Are Kids Born Natural Athletes?
When enrolling their children in sports, parents may be wondering if there is a way to know for sure if their child is a natural athlete. An athletic person whose abilities and skills seem to come inherently to them is considered a natural athlete according to Philippe Sarrazin, et. al. Regardless of their natural abilities, supporting the child unconditionally will make the sport a positive experience for the child and encourage them to keep practicing their athletic skills.
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Genetic Testing
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There is a genetic screening test, which allows parents to "screen for variants of the gene ACTN3, which in elite-level athletes is associated with the presence of the muscle protein alpha-actinin-3." according to Jordan Lite of ScientificAmerican.com. This gene is found in people whose muscles contract intensely at high speeds and could indicate whether a child is predispositioned to be successful at certain sports, such as track according to Jordan Lite of ScientificAmerican.com. However, Stephen Roth, an assistant professor of exercise physiology, aging and genetics at the University of Maryland in College Park, insists that only about fifty percent of muscle strength is determined by genetics according to ScientificAmerican.com.
Effect on Motivation
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If a child begins a sport and is perceived as not being a natural athlete, this could negatively affect any potential growth she may have in her athletic abilities, according to Philippe Sarrazin, et. al. Believing that they must be athletically gifted in order to be successful at a sport can lead to a lack of motivation and learned helplessness according to Philippe Sarrazin, et. al. This means that the child may feel frustrated and not want to participate at all.
Positive Experience for All
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It is up to the parents and coaches to make sports and athletics a positive experience for the child, regardless of initial ability, according to Paul R. Stricker, MD, FAAP, of HealthyChildren.org. He also contends that parents should support the child in whichever sport they decide to play, even if it is not a sport in which the parents believe the child may show natural abilities. Backing up the kid's choices in athletics will show the child that they are supported and encourage them to do their best on the team. Parents should also support athletic achievements as they come, and not overly focus on skills not yet mastered, according to Paul R. Stricker, MD, FAAP, of HealthyChildren.org.
Time to Grow
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Once a child is interested in playing a sport, parents need to give the child a chance to grow into their athletic abilities, according to Paul R. Stricker, MD, FAAP, of HealthyChildren.org. Children show a wide range of skill levels at any given age and cannot be expected to all compete at the same level according to Mary L. Gavin, MD, of KidsHealth.org. Whether or not the parents see a natural propensity for their child to be good at certain sports, they need to be honest with themselves about the child's abilities according to Mary L. Gavin, MD, of KidsHealth.org. Staying positive and practical about athletic prowess will help the child's motivation to get involved with a team.
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