DS7 started out not doing so well... not because of the team issue, but because his athletic ability was no where near par. We purposely made him play because he is a perfectionist, and we knew he'd get a chance to see he couldn't be great at everything. And it's ok not to be the best. AND it forces him to finish (or we force him to complete a season) instead of quitting when he thinks it might be hard.
Low and behold, he's still not the greatest athletically, but he understands the bigger picture, even now at 7, than any of the other kids on his team. He was also chosen this past summer for the "B" team for All Stars. Again, mostly because of his understanding of the game, and his versatility - ability to play each position, understanding its role.
He gets frustrated with the immaturity of the other kids on his team, but he's also learning how to let loose and have a little fun - no be so intense ALL the time - balancing with the seriousness of the "game".
He's played baseball since he was 4. This past year he started soccer, which I think he loves (he is playing on more season of baseball this spring - mainly because he moves up a league with kids who know the game better). He also, though not a "sport", plays chess. In his class/league, they have "team" competitions.
I am going to continue to require him to play a team sport, so that he can learn to work WITH other kids and not just take over, which he does (hmmm... I wonder where he got that from? ha). He wants to play football, but I am trying to prevent that. And it's not because I think it's dangerous. 1. it's expensive here, and 2. I don't think he realizes the real "pain" in tackling and whatnot.
