Any strength training suggestions for a six year old?

Question

My son will soon be six. I want him to have an advantage in teeball next year. He already is a great fielder (He plays shortstop, has only missed two grounders, and made an unassisted triple play.) He hits fair, a few doubles, and he sometimes hits the ball into the outfield.
The problem is that he is in the bottom fifth-percentile on the growth chart (really small).
Now I'm not asking how much he should start out with on the bench-press. Just a few exercises that will build strength and be a little bit of fun,too.

Ok, quit plowing me.....
I won't have him lifting weights, I should have made that apparent from the start.

Answer 1

weight training can stunt growth!

the muscle will actually stop the bone from growing as long as it could of if the muscle was not as developed - I know it sounds strange but kids that are still growing should NOT lift weights

Answer 2

If you want him to get ahead in T-ball/baseball teach him the mental part of the game... go over what to do in certain situations... which base to throw to when someone's on first..that type of thing will make him a better player than physical training at this age. Plus it can be fun for both of you... if he's a good fielder and can make consistent contact hitting the ball then just wait out the physical side of it. Another thing that would give him an advantage later is to start pitching to him now...the earlier he gets used to hitting a pitched ball, the better off he'll be down the road.

Answer 3

Well you dont need to over work a little boy like that. So if you know some of his favorite activities outside...do them! A very good and fun excercise for a little kid is hopscotch. Go buy some chalk...and play hopscotch with him. Also trampolins will help him lose some weight too. You look like you know what you are doing but try to add some more activites in there. Dont give him any sweet stuff...alternate it with some fruit. Like strawberries. Cut the suckers, gummies, and all that stuff out of his normal food and add some nutritional stuff in there. You should be seeing a difference in him soon. Make sure you excercise with him everyday but not to much. Maybe a couple of games of hopscotch and jumping on the trampoline a day. But dont let him get over heated. Tag is also a very fun and good excercise for him too. It allows him to run which as we all know is very good for him. Hope I Helped! ♥ Haley ♥

Answer 4

Hey, my grandson started playing t-ball when he was 5 and now he is the minor going to majors next season. He was small and he is still not that tall, but he is good at what he does in ball. His brother is starting this year, and he did very well. If you feel like he will do ok. Then let him play. Just play with him on catching and hitting the ball. That is all. He will do the rest. Good Luck

Answer 5

You would be well to not encourage him to do any sort of weight training prior to about 13 or 14. It takes until about that age for young children's bones to properly develop and weight training, even relatively mild, could hinder bone development. I suggest you have him do rapid walking to build his cardiovascular system, but no running for more than 1/4 mile at his age.

I wouldn't be too concerned about his size just now. I'm sure he'll hit a growth spurt soon, and then another when he's about 13 or 14. That second one hits, he'll be eating you out of house and home! :D

Answer 6

Weight training for a six year old child is completely problematic and counter indicated. Lifting weights at that age can stunt his growth, or even cause serious bone and muscle malformations. Forget about developing his body, at six years old, developing his mind and social skills is far more advisable. Try being his friend and his father, he needs that a lot more, then he needs a baseball coach.

Answer 7

i am a strength and conditioning coach ,at the age of six i would not start a weight program for your son. have him do exercises like push-ups ,squats no weight,swimming,any non-weight type exercise,as a high school coach i usually tell most people don't even think about a weightroom until 12.hope this will help.

Answer 8

woah dad! it is really not good for little growing bones. Maybe some coordination exercises would be fun for you guys but stay away from the weights. Monkey bars are great for developing strength in his arms.

Healthy food is a great start as well...balanced diet - not a lot ( no) junk food...

Answer 9

how bout playing on the jungle gym at the park? Seriously ... he is 6. Give him some time to be a kid before you start pressuring him to be the best and everything instead of having fun and eventually ruine his life lol

Answer 10

I would layoff the weights at such a young age and use more plyometrics and resistance excercises. Running, Jumping, Push Ups, should work fine for someone his age.