Young Daughter Wants to Play Basketball

The Y has basketball for 3 and up. My daughter just played in the league this winter.

I just skimmed the other response, so I'm now responding to it. The Y plays with tiny mini-balls and a lowered net, all specifically geared to little kids. Do get her her own little net and ball so she can see if she likes it before she commits to a league.

Sports at any age teach so many life skills that any one can benefit. Letting your daughter try something she says she's interested in could either begin a lifelong passion or help her realize that it's not her thing (at least, right now). The important thing is to make her finish whatever she starts, whether she likes it or not.

My daughter didn't like basketball, but she played in every game and learned that she has to finish what she starts (she asked to play). She is incredibly proud of her photo and trophy because it wasn't easy. She's 4.

The City of Arlington also allows kids to play at 3. The games are played at Elzie Odom which is in North Arlington. Closest intersection Green Oaks and Collins. I had a great experience with my oldes who will be 5 in June and my youngest who will be 3 in Aug will play this fall. Good luck and for what it is worth, it is never too young to start them in sports. The whole purpose of them playing at this age is more social and to learn about the game. There is no score keeping, parents and coaches are on the court with the kids. The ref even picked my son up to help him make a basket. At this age it is purely social and just teaches them about being part of a team. Have fun!!!

Greetings L.:

I would be very surprised if you find anything for a kiddos younger than 4. For liability purposes and for safety reasons, more recreation leagues will not consider a kiddo b4 the age of 4. My son is determined to play soccer, but we have had to wait for a year and a half til he turned 4 and the season arrived. I can't wait til spring. But, you have to be patient or you can start a pre-season team with other interested moms and let the girls play in the driveway of someone's home until they are old enough for rec ball. Good luck!

Love and blessings,
N.

There's a reason you can't find any programs that will take children under 4 years of age - it's simply not feasible nor safe for a very little child to play team sports. They lack the coordination and understanding necessary to engage in such pursuits. (Frankly, I'm surprised anyone would even allow 4-year-olds to play basketball, but that is neither here nor there...)

A 2 1/2-year-old doesn't know for certain if she wants to really play basketball or is just fascinated by what she has seen on television. I would suggest getting her a toy basketball and hoop (I believe Fisher Price makes one) that is just her size and is safe for her.

Let her be a tiny girl as long as possible - as the mother of an 18-year-old girl who is about to graduate from high school, I can tell you that they DO grow up far too quickly. Encourage her dreams and let her know that she can do anything she wants to do, but be reasonable. Scale her dreams to her age and her abilities. After all, if she said she wanted to ride horses, would you set her atop a magnificent stallion or would you get her a small spring-horse?

Chances are that over the next 12 years or so you will hear your daughter say she wants to do and be many things, but most will only be fleeting fascinations and brief passions. That's perfectly normal - it's all a part of the journey as she learns to become the woman she is meant to someday be. Be open, communicate honestly and often, and dream along with her. Whether she decides to eventually shoot hoops, dance a pirouette, write deeply moving poetry or take stunning nature photographs, she needs her mother to help her discover her talents and believe in herself.

I hope this helps. :-)

Looks like almost all of us have the same advice. My best friends son played at the YMCA when he was 3 years old. He still plays to this day and he is 5 now. Good luck!

My daughter played basketball with the YMCA also about that age. They do a great job with the little kids and its reasonably priced.

I say if she wants to try it and you can afford it let her! My little girl tried basketball, soccer, tap and ballet before she started kindergarden. Then she found tumbling in kinder and got hooked on competitive cheerleading. They do know at a young age what their passions are! We're in our fourth year and she still loves it and begs to be a the gym more than we already are!