Summer Sports Fun: Beach Volleyball, Swimming Tips, and More for Kids

Summer might seem like a distant though these days, but it is something that we think everyone is looking forward to; children and parents alike. Certainly any parents settling in to read this article have fond fantasies of weather warm and pleasant enough that they can send the kids outside to play without a moment’s hesitation.

All joking aside, summer is practically the perfect season for kids to be outdoors, stay active, and enjoy warm-weather sports. Two of the most exciting summer sports for kids are beach volleyball and swimming, though there are many other sports and activities that kids can engage with in the summer sun, including; soccer, field games, and many more. As with all sports-related activities, such pursuits are not only tons of fun for children, they can also help them improve in a number of ways.

Playing summer sports improves physical fitness, enhances teamwork, and stirs up confidence. Whether your kid is spiking the ball in sand the at your feet, splashing around in the pool, or running around an open, grassy field full of sprinklers, these sports offer endless opportunities for outdoor enjoyment. In this article, we will dive into some great tips and tricks to make your family’s summer adventures even more fun, while giving some good alternative options for summer sports you might not have even considered!

Beach Volleyball: Spike Your Way to Fun

Beach volleyball is perhaps the most popular athletic activity for summer beach fun. Volleyball is a fantastic way for kids to enjoy the sun, sand, and sport. It’s an energetic game that changes with every serve. Also, it can be played casually with friends and family members or competitively in leagues and tournaments. This means that kids can choose how they want to play it. If they are the competitive type, they can join a team, but if they aren’t you can still encourage physical family fun on beach trips. Here are some tips for parents that will help their kids master beach volleyball, while still having fun!

Learn the Basics

Before your kid can absolutely dominate the court, it’s important that they learn to understand the basics behind beach volleyball. The game itself is usually played with two teams, with each one trying to hit the ball over the net and into the opposing team’s court. It’s a simple concept and one that kids can easily latch onto; the trick is in the execution of the task itself. Then again, so is the fun. Each round, each team gets three hits to return the ball. Points are only scored when the ball lands on the opposing team’s side or if they fail to return it. If the ball flies out of bounds, it is removed from play and the serve is returne

Key skills for kids to practice:

• Bumping: Kids can use their forearms to pass the ball to a teammate.
• Setting: Players should position the ball in the air for a teammate to hit.
• Spiking: Kids can hit the ball over the net with force.
• Serving: Serving starts the game. Players begin each round by sending the ball over the net to the other team.

Gear Up for the Game

Playing on the sand is a lot different than playing on the grass, gym floor, or blacktop. This just means that kids will require the right gear in order to to stay comfortable and safe. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A lightweight volleyball these balls are specifically designed for outdoor play.
• Comfortable clothing, like breathable shorts and a T-shirt are perfect for beach fun. Swimsuits can also be worn, but shoes are always optional when playing on the sand!
• Sunscreen is needed to protect kids’ skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
• Sunglasses or a hat are both good for keeping the sun out of your kid’s eyes.
• Water bottle to stay hydrated. Staying hydrated will come up a lot in this article and there’s a purpose for that. In the summer, exertion means water loss, so we want to make sure kids who play outside have adequate water to avoid dehydration.

Master the Sand Moves

Beach volleyball is obviously going to play very differently from indoor volleyball. This is because the sand adds an extra challenge to the whole affair. Moving in the sand requires an added degree of strength and balance, which usually has to be developed before kids can do so with aplomb. Children can practice running, jumping, and diving to get used to the sandy surface. If they need a hand, try some of these drills:

• Side shuffles: Help improve lateral movement within the court.
• Sand sprints: Help kids build speed.
• Controlled dives: Teach children how to safely reach for the ball during play.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Beach volleyball involves quite a bit of teamwork and communication. Talk between teammates is essential for planning strategies or calling out plays during the game. At the same time, kids should feel free to express themselves by encouraging each other, celebrating points, and staying positive as long as they can. Even if your child loses the rally, remind them that the whole point is having fun together on the beach. Winning is nice but summer fun is fleeting, and it needs to be savored.

Play It Safe

Running on the sand might not seem particularly dangerous, unless of course you’ve ever gotten a sandburn or trod barefoot on a piece of broken glass. As with any sport, safety is key. Before playing, parents and kids should check the sand in and around the play area for sharp objects or debris. Then, everyone should take a few minutes to warm up with stretches to prevent injuries. When necessary, especially in the heat of summer, players should take frequent breaks to rest and drink some water. Also, if at any point the sun is too intense, call the game for a bit or just press pause. Take a minute to find shade and cooldown while the sun moves.

Swimming: Dive Into Adventure

When it’s summer, we swim! Swimming is a must-do summer activity. It’s refreshing, fun, and great for building strength and endurance in young athletes. Whether you and your kids are chilling by the pool, camping by a lake, or taking a beach trip, we can offer you some helpful tips to make sure kids have fun and stay safe while swimming.

Learn to Swim

If your child is new to swimming, the first step is to get them in the pool for some lessons. Make sure you start with lessons from a certified instructor. These folks are well-equipped to teach them the very simplest of swimming exercises, but they are also knowledgeable about basic strokes like the freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke. Learning these three strokes is essential for helping your child become confident in the water. They should practice often, even once they learn, however. The more time a child spends in the water, honing their skills and basic strokes, the more they will improve and the more their confidence will grow.

Simple strokes kids should practice:

• Freestyle: This fast and efficient stroke where a swimmer alternates arm movements while kicking their legs.
• Backstroke: For this one, kids should learn to swim on their back using alternating arm movements and a flutter kick.
• Breaststroke: This is one of the most fun to teach kids. They can use a frog-like kick with simultaneous arm movements as they swim on their belly.

Gear Up for Swimming Success

Swimming doesn’t have a whole lot of equipment attached. Most of what you need for swimming is contained within your brain and muscle memory…but a swimsuit helps. When going swimming, parents should make sure they pack these essentials:

• Swimsuit: Have your child pick a comfortable suit that allows for easy movement.
• Goggles: These can protect your kid’s eyes and help you see underwater.
• Swim cap: Swim caps are best for those with long hair. It keeps hair out of the face and reduces drag in the water.
• Sunscreen: Always wear sunscreen if swimming outdoors! Remember to bring and use waterproof sunscreen for this purpose.
• Floaties or a life jacket: These are perfect for younger kids or beginners and will help them get more used to the strokes while still being safe.

Practice Water Safety

Safety is perhaps the number one priority when kids are swimming. Follow these rules to make sure kids stay safe in the water:

• Always have your kids swim with a buddy or under adult supervision.
• Teach kids to obey pool and beach rules, such as no diving in shallow areas.
• Teach children to know their own limits and avoid swimming too far from shore or into deep water.
• Remind kids to stay away from strong currents or dangerous areas when swimming in lakes, rivers, or at the beach.

Build Confidence Through Games

You can easily make swimming even more fun by playing water games with friends and family. Try these activities next time your kid is in the pool:

• Marco Polo: This classic game where one player is “It” and tries to tag others by calling out “Marco” while the others respond “Polo.”
• Treasure Hunt: This one is easy ad very hands-off for parents. Simply toss pool toys or coins into the water and watch kids dive to retrieve them. Rinse and repeat for a good solid half hour of fun!
• Relay Races: You can do this by creating teams and having them either race to complete laps or retrieve items.

Alternative Summer Sport Ideas for Kids

As long as kids are taking an opportunity to stay outdoors and have some fun, then that’s all that matters. Of course, as parents, we want to make sure they are staying active while they do so. Sure, traditional activities like volleyball and swimming are great, but there are other options for folks who can’t always make it to the pool or down to the shore.

Field Games and Relay Races

Field games like capture the flag, kickball, and ultimate frisbee are all excellent choices for outdoor fun. These sports are particularly good for encouraging teamwork and friendly competition. They also happen to be playable in just about every setting, from a backyard barbecue to a local park or even in the schoolyard. Relay races with obstacles or themed challenges, like sack races or three-legged races, are great for summer festivals or fun days, they also add a unique twist to traditional running competitions.

Soccer

Soccer is a timeless favorite for children of all ages. It can also be played in any field and under any clear sky. Whether playing an organized game or just kicking the ball around with friends, this popular team sport is an excellent way to improve coordination, stamina, and teamwork, while keeping kids busy all day long. For smaller spaces like the backyard, parents can set up mini-goals for a scaled-down version of the game.

Sprinkler Tag

When the sun is blazing, you can get away with combining two different summertime activities in one. Try having your kids cool off with a game of sprinkler tag. Set up a sprinkler in the yard and have the children chase each other while trying to avoid the water or try to get hit by the water; either way works for this game’s purposes! This game adds a refreshing twist to classic tag and guarantees laughter and summer fun. You’re gonna want to make sure they have towels handy though, and maybe even a swimsuit before they start the game.

Nature Walks and Scavenger Hunts

Nature walks might not seem like a “sport” but they do combine exercise and exploration in equal measure. You can even incorporate scavenger hunting into it by creating a list of items for kids to find, like specific leaves, rocks, or bugs. Just make sure if they are going far off or into the woods, some adult accompanies them.

Take Breaks and Stay Hydrated

We touched on hydration earlier but here is where the point hammers home! Playing in the sun can be tiring and dehydrating, even for the most physically-engaged children, so it’s important that they take regular breaks during the day. Remind your kids to drink water or enjoy a refreshing snack like fruit or popsicles. Not only will this keep them energized enough to continue playing, it will help keep them hydrated enough to not worry about dehydration and other heat-related issues. If the sun is too intense or the weather is too hot, make sure frequent breaks are fit into the schedule. Set up some shade or have kids sit near a shady tree or umbrella to cool down and recharge before continuing on.

Cultured Athlete Says..

As you can see, no summer is complete without outdoor fun. The activities presented above might seem commonplace, but they are popular for a reason. Beach volleyball, swimming, and other summer sports offer endless opportunities for kids to learn, stay active, and make summer memories that will last a lifetime. So grab your volleyball, put on your swimsuit and some sunscreen, and get ready to hit the beach! Summer is just around the corner!