Juniors...
Why Pool for kids?
Now that pool season is in full swing, I'd like to share with you a few positive reasons as to why you and your family may want to partake. Pool is a sport that families can play together, even grandma and grandpa. It is a sport that can be played and enjoyed from childhood thru old age. Children from infancy on just absolutely fall in love with it. What better interest is there for a baby to sit on a table full of balls and be able to touch them and see the vibrant colors? What about the child who walks by a table full of balls and not find it curious and want to at least roll the balls around on it!
Pool actually is also a bonified, fun sport that is one of the fastest growing in the United States. We have adult and junior pool leagues, male leagues, female leagues and mixed leagues, tournaments by skill level as well as national/international tournaments. Then there's the best of the best, the professionals whose tournaments can be watched on TV.
The sport is not gender specific; it can be played by almost anyone of any age including those with developmental disabilities, those in wheel chairs, stroke victims and the like. Pool can be made developmentally appropriate depending upon ability level. There are different modified pool "tools" that can be used for the different developmental populations.
The game is a very strong reinforcer that can greatly enhance self-esteem at any age. It can be used at home and at school to help improve behavior and/or grades. Instead of punishing and taking away something, pool can be added as a reward for improving behavior. A good practice session or a few games of pool can greatly increase positive feelings and also decrease stress. Think of it as with any other sport, a socially acceptable outlet for tension and aggression. We can actually redirect negative behavior at any age simply by teaching strong fundamentals, the correct way to play pool.
At any age pool can enhance concentration, eye-hand coordination, planning and organizing, competition, good sportsmanship, positive self-talk and endurance, just to name a few. All in all, pool has come such a long way from the dreary, smoke-filled, gambling institute as some may remember. It has come full circle to be a highly respected sport that takes great skill. I strongly encourage families of any age and skill level to buy a table for their home. You will absolutely fall in love with it. One last added benefit with a table in your home you'll know where your kids are!
Missy Capestrain, MA
BCA Certified Instructor
Junior and Adult BCA League Coordinator
My specialty is with kids, developmentally disabled and any person with a mental disorder.
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