Finding Your Perfect Sport: How to Try Different Activities Until Something Clicks

Not Everyone Is a Soccer Star (And That's OK!)

Here's the truth: there's no such thing as being "not athletic." There's just finding the right sport for YOU!

Think about it—sports are super diverse! Some require endurance, others need quick bursts of energy. Some are team-based, others are individual. Some focus on strategy, others on strength or flexibility.

With so many options out there, almost everyone can find a sport they enjoy and can excel at. You just need to find your match!

Why You Might Not Have Found "Your Sport" Yet 🤔

If you've tried a few sports but haven't found one that feels right, there could be a few reasons:

• Limited exposure: Many middle schools only offer a handful of the most popular sports

• Starting too late: You might feel behind if everyone else has been playing since kindergarten

• One bad experience: Sometimes a negative experience with one coach or team can turn you off from a whole sport

• Family expectations: Maybe you've only tried sports your parents or siblings play

• Body type assumptions: Being told you're "too short" for basketball or "too tall" for gymnastics (which isn't true!)

According to research, the average young athlete tries 3-4 sports before finding the one they're most passionate about. And many Olympic athletes didn't start their main sport until they were teenagers!

How to Discover Your Athletic Superpowers 🦸‍♀️

Ready to find your perfect match? Here's how to explore different sports until you find one that makes you think, "Where have you been all my life?!"

Step 1: Know Yourself

Start by thinking about what you naturally enjoy:

• Do you like being outdoors or indoors? (Swimming vs. volleyball)

• Do you prefer team energy or individual focus? (Soccer vs. tennis)

• Are you more endurance-focused or strength/power-focused? (Cross country vs. track field events)

• Do you like routine or variety? (Swimming vs. basketball)

• Are you competitive or more recreational? (Travel teams vs. intramurals)

Make a quick list of your answers to these questions—it'll help narrow down which sports might be a good fit!

Step 2: Break Out of the Box

Middle school usually offers the basics (basketball, volleyball, track), but high school opens up SO many more options! Some sports to consider that you might not have tried yet:

Team Sports Beyond the Basics:

• Lacrosse

• Field hockey

• Water polo

• Ultimate frisbee

• Rugby

Individual Sports to Consider:

• Golf

• Tennis

• Swimming/diving

• Fencing

• Archery

Hybrid Activities:

• Rowing/crew

• Track and field events

• Cheerleading

• Dance team

• Martial arts

As Kayla, an 8th grader, told us: "I hated traditional sports until I tried fencing in a summer camp. It combines strategy, movement, and independent thinking—perfect for me!"

Step 3: The Try-It-All Approach

Here are some low-pressure ways to sample different sports:

• Summer camps: Many high schools offer summer sports camps for middle schoolers where you can try a sport for just a week

• PE units: Pay attention during PE class—you might discover you love something unexpected!

• Community centers: Look for low-cost intro classes at your local Y or community center

• Open gym days: Many schools have "try it" days where coaches introduce their sport

• Intramurals: These less competitive programs are perfect for beginners

• YouTube tutorials: Get a feel for different sports before trying them in person

• Borrow equipment: Ask to borrow gear before investing in expensive equipment

"I tried six different sports through summer camps before high school," shares Mia, now a sophomore. "I ended up loving rowing—something I'd never even heard of before camp!"

Finding Your Best Position 🏆

Here's something cool: even within a single sport, different positions require totally different skills!

For example, in soccer:

• Goalies need quick reflexes and fearlessness

• Defenders need strength and good judgment

• Midfielders need endurance and passing skills

• Forwards need speed and shooting accuracy

So even if you've tried a sport before and didn't love it, you might just have been in the wrong position!

Coach Taylor, a high school volleyball coach, explains: "I've seen girls completely transform when they switch positions. Someone struggling as an outside hitter might become an amazing libero because they're quick and have great defensive instincts."

What If I'm Still Not Finding It? 🧩

If traditional sports aren't clicking, consider these alternatives that still give you all the benefits of being active:

• Outdoor adventure: Rock climbing, mountain biking, or hiking clubs

• Dance: From hip hop to ballet to cultural dance forms

• Martial arts: Karate, judo, taekwondo, or kickboxing

• Fitness programs: Strength training, yoga, or fitness classes

• Recreational sports: Skateboarding, roller derby, or ultimate frisbee

• E-sports: While not physically active, they do offer team dynamics and competition

You might also consider sports-adjacent activities like athletic training, sports management, or becoming team manager or statistician if you love the sports environment but haven't found your perfect athletic fit.

Dealing with Late-Starter Worries 😬

One of the biggest concerns I hear from middle schoolers is: "Isn't it too late to start something new?"

The answer is a BIG no! While it's true some kids have been playing certain sports since they were tiny, high school is actually a perfect time to try something new.

Here's why:

• Many "late bloomers" advance quickly because they're more coachable and focused

• High school often offers novice teams or JV levels specifically for newer players

• Some sports (like rowing or golf) actually PREFER athletes who haven't developed bad habits

• You bring fresh enthusiasm while others might be experiencing burnout

• Physical changes during puberty might give you advantages in sports you haven't tried yet

Dr. Jordan Smith, a sports psychologist, notes: "Some of the most successful college athletes are those who switched sports or started 'late' in high school. They bring determination and a growth mindset that often outpaces those who've been playing since early childhood."

Your Sports Identity is Yours to Create

Remember, finding your sport isn't about following the crowd—it's about discovering what makes YOU feel strong, confident, and excited.

Sometimes the perfect match is something you'd never expect! The quiet girl finds her voice in water polo. The bookworm discovers she's an amazing cross-country runner. The "uncoordinated" kid becomes the star of the fencing team.

Your sports journey is unique, and high school is the perfect time to explore all the possibilities!

What sport have you always wanted to try but haven't yet? Let us know in the comments!