They reported that the more someone heads a soccer ball, the lower that player will score on tests measuring attention, concentration, and general intellectual functioning. Lezak is unsurprised. “I know what happens when you bat on the brain,” she says. “Given what we know about boxing, it would have been surprising if we hadn’t found anything. In soccer, people are punishing themselves in much the same way boxers do.” —Barry Yeoman —Lights Out: Can contact sports lower your intelligence? (Discover)
Yaah! My six-year-old son wants to play soccer this spring. He wanted to do it last spring, but he injured his foot while on vacation, and practices started before we knew how serioulsy (not very, as it turned out).
Hmm… we just started a swim class. Maybe I can subtly encourage him there… but then there are those pesky diving boards that can smack you on the back of the head on the way down.
Oh the conflicts of parenthood!
Post was last modified on 31 Jul 2020 1:45 pm
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Thanks for your comments.
I've played soccer for 11 years now and I have intentionally headed a ball multiple times yet my intellect has not suffered as far as I'm concerned. I'm receiving multiple scholarships for English and Physics so I'm assuming it couldn't have caused too much damage.
I say you let your son play soccer. It's an excellent way to keep in shape and as a parent, you also want to encourage your child to stay active. If he enjoys it, there is no better way!
Thanks for the feedback, everyone.
Relax! They really don't get into "heading" the ball at this age except by accident. The benefits of team sports, the camaraderie and learing to play as a team far outweigh the risks at this age. I read about this and the concern is more for older athletes. My son has played soccer since kindergarten and his intellect is intact!
Here, here to baseball/softball. Okay, you -can- get hit with the ball... but it's good for hand-eye coordination, teamwork, individual performance, and even some fine motor skills. I recommend it merely for the enjoyment of the game. And I really think all kids should be able to give baseball a shot--it IS America's pasttime :)
As a soccer alternative, I recommend Human Foosball. Less head-batting, they use a Nerf ball, and it's just plain bizarre. :-)
I recommend swimming. Only divers use the long boards to jump off of. Swimmers dive off of a platform to begin a race.