Match sport to child

Have an introverted child? Suggest baseball. On a budget? Avoid hockey. Real Simple’s cheat-sheet to help you match your kid to sport.

Baseball and softball

Win column: “Baseball imparts values,” says Chris Downs, a spokesman for Little League Baseball.

Loss Column: The game can move slowly. .

Best for: Most kids. Thoughtful, introspective kids appreciate the cerebral aspects of the game.

Time commitment: Practices about once a week for an hour or two, with one or two games per weekend, generally, during the spring season.

Martial arts

Win column: Martial arts boost balance, control, coordination, flexibility, strength and speed.

Loss Column: Parents may be wary of the “martial” element of martial arts.

Best for: A kid who lacks confidence or who is unhappy on a team.

Time commitment: Two-hour classes once or twice a week, plus local exhibitions a few times a year, are typical.

Basketball

Win column: “Basketball is a team sport that can also be played alone,” says Donald A. Ruedlinger, president of Youth Basketball of America.

Loss Column: Because only five players (out of 15 or so) play at once, kids might spend a fair amount of time warming the bench.

Best for: Kids with high energy and physical endurance.

Time commitment: Recreational teams generally practice once or twice a week for an hour or so and have one game per weekend during the winter season.

Swimming

Win column: A lifelong sport and a skill, swimming works almost every muscle group and provides a cardiovascular workout.

Loss Column: Carpooling before dawn, anyone?

Best for: Kids with discipline, determination and focus.

Time committment: Recreational teams may practice two or three times a week. Highly competitive teams often practice two hours a day, five days a week, all year long and have lengthy meets .

Hockey

Win column: Hockey provides an intense cardiovascular workout and boosts strength, speed, balance, agility and endurance.

Loss Column: Facilities can be scarce, so you may have to drive far to the nearest rink; a 7 a.m. practice isn’t unheard-of. Ice hockey is among the most expensive youth sports.

Best for: Kids who possess a certain fearlessness.

Time commitment: Most ice- and inline-hockey teams practice for an hour or two once a week and have a game each weekend during the season.

Football

Win column: Playing boosts strength, stamina and agility and can foster personal responsibility.

Loss Column: The cash outlay for team travel can be high. Bruises, scrapes, sprains and strains – and the occasional concussion or broken bone. .

Best for: Children who are comfortable with aggression.

Time committment: Practices can eat up 10 hours a week when school isn’t in session.

Tennis

Win column: A lifelong game, tennis provides a full-body aerobic workout and helps develop hand-eye coordination and agility.

Loss Column: Tennis can be technically challenging to learn.

Best for: Children who are quick, coordinated, patient and focused, with inner resolve.

Time committment: Beginners usually take a weekly half-hour lesson.

Soccer

Win column: Relinquishing the ball when appropriate is a key to success, so participants learn the value of cooperation.

Loss Column: Potential injuries include the usual bumps and bruises, plus strains, sprains and fractures.

Best for: Kids with speed and energy to burn.

Time commitment: A 60- to 90-minute practice once or twice a week during the season is the norm.