Overview

Children between ages 6 and 10 years make major gains in muscle strength and coordination. Boys and girls are able to compete quite evenly at sports, because muscle development and coordination occur at about the same times for both sexes. Team sports are a good way for children to build both motor skills and friendships.

Most children's basic motor skills, such as kicking, catching, and throwing, continue to improve. Gradually, they become better at more complex activities, such as dancing, shooting a basketball, or playing the piano.

A child's capacity for aerobic exercise increases gradually from ages 6 to 10 but is limited compared with a teen's.