Too late to start sports?

Question

I'm 13 and I want to join a sport, but I'm too scared. Since most people have been playing soccer or tennis or whatever since they were like, 4 years old, everyone else on the team is going to be better than me and I'm really competitive so I wouldn't be able to handle that. I want to join track but I'm not the best at running in the world...I'm afraid people will make fun of me, and I'm not motivated enough to practice on my own...suggestions?

Also: I'm not fat or anything. I weigh 96 pounds. I've always just sort of been a more artsy person.

And...the reason I want to get into sports now is because I'm a military brat and now I'm moving from Japan to North Carolina and I want to make some new friends.

Answer 1

13 is not too late to begin something new. What do you think you would like to do. If what your are deciding on requires running. Then try running just for recreation a couple of times. Find out how you feel when you are running with all of your energy.
If you feel "this is Great". And you are looking forward to the next run. Then sports with running are a thumbs up. (You don't have to work too hard while trying this. You don't want to get an injury by overdoing it.)

Then Try Swimming. Try jumping and tapping a volleyball over a net. There will be something that will feel right for you and that is a great place to start.
You can always take something different next time. Do you have any friends which are in the same boat as you? Is there a counsellor or coach at school that you can talk to.

It is great that you are seeking out sports and fitness and friends Now. The good Habits that you will create now will last a lifetime.

There are other groups which will be less competitive for instance church youth groups. Often times they have games and play things which no one has experience at like Broom-ball. I don't know what will be the case in North Carolina, But here there is Bowling and Youth lock ins where they go bowling and broom-ball, Rock climbing, Board games & movies and then all of the youth are locked in the gym or other room with adult supervision and they all sleep in sleeping bags.

Church Groups are a perfect resource of friends. Call the church you'll be attending if you do that is, and ask to speak to whoever is in charge of the Youth ministry.

In Case you are Catholic or just want to go to play in the group. www.masstimes.org with the City and State or Zipcode

Will bring up a list of Catholic Churches and many have websites and email contacts. You can be ready to start right up when you get to the North Carolina.

If they don't have what you want ask them to give you a referral to whatever faith you belong to.

This will be a confidence builder for you and you will already have friends before school starts. (If you are moving before school starts.)

If in school the competition is ruff. Gently explain that they didn't have these sports available while you were living in Japan & _____&_____. And that You appreciate their understanding and that you are going to do your best.

Maybe you can share about the places you have lived but don't sound like you're bragging or snotty. I don't think you could. You sound kind from your question.

And remember the church group. Jump in anytime you can for a fun not serious game if it's something you would like to try.

Life is one adventure after another.
May God Bless you during your Move
and as you get accustomed to your new home.

;-)

Answer 2

I'm almsot 13, my sport is school, iking, jumping jacks, swimming and ect. I didn't learn even how to swim since I was like, 8. I'm not on any sport, but you can go to a camp or something and play a sport you're intrested in so that when teams start up you'll actually know how to play!

Answer 3

i think you should join track, there is more then just running in a lot of the events. I played a lot of sports when i was in high school a few years ago, but some of the best memories are from track. so i highly recommend it, and whatever sport you join, don't worry if you are not good right away, people will obviously understand that since you just started. good luck

Answer 4

too late???? ur 13!!!! this is the time to start a new sport- im 30 and i just started playing hockey 2 seasons ago- i sucked so much but i loved every second of it- skills are learned and practiced-- but a good attitude and effort is what makes a good sport- so smile, and put urself out there. the skills u learn now- u will use for life trust me!
ps. soccer is a great sport for young girls and is easy to learn while playing

Answer 5

Go for it.
I started playing soccer when I entered the ninth grade. Made the varsity team in the tenth, was a starter in the eleventh.

I had nothing but a very strong desire to succeed. The truth is I probably never had a whole lot of skill, I was just extremely determined.

I know you weren't talking soccer, but it should be about the same for other sports.

Answer 6

Try out see what happens, find a league that isn't super competitive and where you could learn. Sports is all about having fun and as far as people making fun of you it happens and it sucks but stick to it and you will win them over. My two best friends I have had for 18 years made fun of me every day for two weeks when I first moved to town but they got over it and so did I and we became friends.

Answer 7

Your never too old to start, and at 13 you are still real young. You may be a natural, or you may learn as you go along. The important thing is too have fun. Tennis is a lot of fun and is quick to pick up, but hard to master. Have fun and go for it.

Answer 8

I joined track too and it was my first time. Everyone was all expierenced and better than me so I quit. BUT, don't do that though. (I just wasnt a competitve runner and wasnt into it. I still run on my own though) Nobody will make fun of you they will probably encourage you to do your best. If you really enjoy running you'll become better at it and soon you'll become a pro just like the rest of your teammates.
GOOD LUCK!

Answer 9

no, it is not too late ,if u start sports at 20it also not late if you like the sport go ahead ,u will find the fun

Answer 10

Try fastpitch softball. I'm around your age and I play. It's a lot of fun.