Every athlete has their own way of moving. Some race ahead like a cheetah, while others observe and plan like an owl. Some leap through the air, others glide through water. These differences aren’t just fun to watch—they tell us something important about who we are.
At the School Sport Foundation (SSF), we believe movement is more than muscle—it’s personality in motion. This article helps kids (and adults!) explore their natural style through the lens of the animal kingdom, and how understanding it can lead to better focus, more joy, and stronger self-belief in sport and in life.
🐆 Fast and Focused: The Cheetah
Cheetahs don’t just run fast—they explode into action. If you love sprinting, tag, chasing balls, or making quick decisions in games, you might be a cheetah in sneakers.
Your power: speed, sharp focus, and the ability to surprise everyone
Try this: sprint training, relay races, or short bursts of fast-paced play
🐬 Smooth and Smart: The Dolphin
Dolphins are playful, smart, and move with grace through water. If you love swimming, teamwork, or solving challenges in sport, the dolphin could be your match.
Your power: smooth coordination, brainpower, and connection
Try this: water games, team drills, or any sport where you think while moving
🐻 Strong and Steady: The Bear
Bears are powerful and balanced. They might look slow at first, but when it’s time to move, they’re unstoppable. If you’re the kind of athlete who doesn’t rush but always finishes strong—you’ve got bear power.
Your power: strength, patience, and endurance
Try this: climbing, strength-based games, or longer-distance challenges
🦘 Bouncy and Bold: The Kangaroo
Jumpers, dancers, gymnasts—this one’s for you. Kangaroos are full of bounce and rhythm, and they love to leap and balance with style.
Your power: energy, agility, and confidence
Try this: skipping games, gymnastics, dance-based sports, or parkour-style movement
🐱 Flexible and Focused: The Cat
Cats are smooth, flexible, and always in control. If you love stretching, balance, or quiet movement (like yoga or martial arts), the cat might be your twin.
Your power: calm focus, control, and grace
Try this: yoga, stretching routines, or balance games that test your body awareness
🦩 Balanced and Brave: The Flamingo
Flamingos stand tall, stay still, and know how to wait for the right moment. If you have strong balance and love holding tricky poses or standing your ground—you’ve got flamingo flair.
Your power: patience, posture, and concentration
Try this: single-leg exercises, balance games, or slow-motion movement drills
🦉 Wise and Quiet: The Owl
Owls don’t rush. They observe, think, and then boom—make their move. If you’re someone who likes watching a game before jumping in, or you do best when you’ve had time to think, you’re probably an owl.
Your power: strategy, decision-making, and timing
Try this: sports that need planning—like chess boxing, archery, or even team strategy sessions
