Student athletes also have fewer behavior problems than those who don’t play sports.

Why do sports have such a positive effect? Student athletes feel more connected to their school.

As a result, they are less likely to have discipline problems. Their attendance also improves, since most coaches won’t let athletes practice if they didn’t go to class.

The confidence students gain from sports may also affect their learning. The same “I-can-do-it” attitude that helps them learn how to shoot jumpshots or score goals can also help them stick to learning algebra or French.

Finally, students in sports learn every day that practice makes perfect. That’s a good lesson for the classroom, as well.

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