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Try It, You Might Like It!
Sports Ideas for Fun and Fitness
By I.J. Schecter
Top 3 Benefits:
1. It's great for developing both slow- and fast-twitch muscles.
2. It rewards constant motion, quickly teaching those who stand still not to.
3. It's a "cool" sport whose global popularity is on the rise, so knowing how to play can only benefit your kid.
Wallet Factor: A backboard and rim to mount above the garage costs about $75; a stand-alone hoop, between $200 and $500. Professional-style basketballs are $30 to $75. You can sign Junior up for a community league if you want, but between school teams and pick-up ball with friends, he'll probably get all the basketball education he needs.
Soccer
At a Glance: On a large rectangular field, 11-person squads try to score in the opposition's net over two halves, usually 30 minutes each. The team with the most goals wins the match.
Top 3 Benefits:
1. It demonstrates the value of both teamwork and maximizing opportunity.
2. No other sport teaches you to use your feet in the same way – not to mention your head.
3. It boasts the unbeatable tradition of orange quarters at halftime.
Wallet Factor: Cleats (soccer shoes) can be as inexpensive as $20 or as much as $80 depending on your child's foot size. Beyond that, shin guards – and those adorable knee-high socks – are the only real expenses.
So try it, you may like it!
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