Is Your Young Athlete Good? Get the Quiz Here

Ever wonder if your child will grow up to be a good athlete? As a parent, it’s natural to wonder if your child has what it takes to excel in sports. While no one can predict the future, certain signs can indicate whether your young athlete has the potential to develop into a skilled player. That’s the key here, skilled player. 

We aren’t saying your athlete will be top in their class but these are usually signs that your athlete has the potential to be good. 

Here are some key factors to consider when assessing your child’s athletic future:

1. Natural Athleticism

This is a no brainer, some kids are just more athletic than others. While being athletic matters, it isn’t the only factor for success. Some kids just don’t know what to do with their athletic ability. 

Some kids seem to be born with a natural ability to run faster, jump higher, or move more fluidly than their peers. If your child displays strong coordination, balance, speed, and agility at a young age, these are good indicators that they might excel in sports.

2. Love for the Game

This should be in bold, your child has to love the game. Passion and enthusiasm for sports are just as important as physical ability. If your child is always eager to practice, watch games, and talk about their sport, that passion can fuel long-term improvement and success. We also say if your child is able to “start their engine”, that’s a great sign!

3. Coachability

A child who listens to instructions, then applies feedback, and strives to improve is more likely to progress. If your young athlete demonstrates a willingness to learn and accept constructive criticism, they have an essential trait for athletic success. 

When I coach, there are two things that athletes can control, one is attitude and one is effort. If a player has a good attitude, is able to focus, and then translate that on the field, well, that is a big win for their development. 

4. Competitiveness and Mental Toughness

Competitive drive and the ability to handle pressure can set great athletes apart. If your child thrives in competitive situations, doesn’t give up after losses, and enjoys pushing themselves to improve, they may have the mental edge needed for high-level sports.

Most of sport is mental, so being mentally tough is key. The best thing parents can do is to let their kids mess up on the field and off, let them learn from their mistakes and fix them. This starts to build confidence. 

5. Work Ethic and Commitment

Talent alone isn’t enough—dedication and effort are key. If your child consistently works hard in practice, stays focused, and puts in extra time to improve, they have the mindset needed for long-term growth.

As I mentioned above, the effort is huge. Being committed and having a high work rate is key to success. It is all about the little things, and doing them over and over again. 

6. Injury Resilience and Physical Durability

While injuries happen in sports, some athletes seem to recover quickly and maintain a strong, resilient body. If your child can handle the physical demands of their sport and avoid frequent setbacks, that’s a good sign of long-term potential. Parents can make sure their kid also takes rest days and does things outside of their sport. 

7. Performance in Games

Some kids shine in practice but struggle in competition, while others elevate their play when it matters most. If your child consistently performs well in games, especially under pressure, it’s a strong indicator of their potential. 

Being able to keep pace with a game and perform consistently at a high level matters. It is a great indicator of success. 

8. Versatility and Adaptability

The best young athletes can excel in multiple sports or positions before specializing. If your child shows an ability to adapt to different roles, they may have the athletic IQ to develop into a high-level competitor.

Wrapping up!

While these traits can indicate athletic potential, they are not guarantees. Every child develops at their own pace, and the most important thing is that they enjoy playing and growing in the sport. Support, encouragement, and a focus on having fun will always be more valuable than raw talent alone.

No matter how far your child goes in sports, their journey should be about learning life lessons, staying active, and building character. Enjoy the ride and let their passion lead the way!

iSport360 is the only app that does it all for youth sports. For more information on what we do, click here. 

About the author: 

Amy Masters is a sports mom, coach, and club administrator. She has been coaching youth sports for more than 10 years. She started Jr Lions Field Hockey, the youth recreation program for the Hunterdon County community growing it from 40 players in year 1 to 150 players by year 3. A few years later, she saw the love and competitiveness grow then started Omega Field Hockey Club serving NJ and PA players. Before coaching, she was a collegiate field hockey player for Lock Haven University. In her spare time (lol), she is head of marketing for iSport360 and the co-editor of the Youth Sports Survival Guide. The Youth Sports Survival Guide is the largest youth sports newsletter in the world.