Why Sport Is Not Optional for Boys: Physical Activity and Academic Performance

The exam is coming and the logic feels obvious: drop the Saturday sport, put the hours into practice papers instead. It is a swap thousands of parents are tempted to make - and for boys, it can quietly backfire. In his acclaimed book 'Raising Boys', Australian psychologist Steve Biddulph explains that physical activity is a biological necessity for boys, not a luxury, and that cutting it can raise stress and harm performance. Far from competing with study, the right amount of sport is one of the things that helps your son succeed in the Selective test, OC test and NAPLAN.

The Biological Importance of Sport for Boys

Many Australian parents feel tempted to replace their sons’ sporting activities with extra tutoring or practice papers when preparing for exams. However, according to Steve Biddulph’s acclaimed book Raising Boys, this strategy is misguided.

Biddulph, an Australian psychologist, explains that physical activity is a biological necessity for boys. Cutting out sport to make more time for study can actually harm academic performance and increase stress levels.

The Role of Testosterone in Boys’ Behaviour

Testosterone plays a crucial role in boys’ development, affecting mood, energy, and behaviour. Boys experience surges in testosterone around ages four and fourteen, which lead to increased energy and a strong need for physical activity and competition.

When boys are forced to sit still for long periods, such as during extended tutoring or practice tests, this energy can cause restlessness, reduced focus, and disruptive behaviour.

How Physical Activity Enhances Brain Function

Sport does more than help burn energy. Aerobic exercise triggers the release of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), often called “Miracle-Gro for the brain.” BDNF supports neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and form new neural connections essential for learning and memory.

Just 30 minutes of running or playing football before study can improve concentration, processing speed, and working memory—key skills for excelling in exams.

Sport Builds Discipline and Resilience

Beyond brain chemistry, sport teaches vital life skills that support academic success. Team sports, in particular, foster:

• Discipline
• Teamwork
• Handling failure
• The importance of consistent practice

Learning to lose gracefully and keep trying builds resilience, helping boys tackle challenging exam questions without giving up.

Practical Strategies for Parents

To harness the benefits of sport alongside study, parents can:

• Do Not Cancel Sport for Study: Avoid pulling your son out of sports or swimming lessons to add more tutoring time. The benefits of physical activity outweigh extra study hours.
• Schedule Pre-Study Workouts: Encourage 20–30 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise before evening study sessions or practice tests to prime the brain.
• Incorporate Movement into Study: Allow younger boys preparing for NAPLAN or OC tests to move around while studying to maintain focus.
• Use Sport as a Reward: Replace screen time rewards with physical activities like bike rides or backyard games after completing practice papers.

Conclusion

Steve Biddulph’s Raising Boys clearly shows that supporting boys’ biological need for physical activity is key to academic success. Sport is not a distraction but the foundation for optimal learning.

At TestMagic, we believe in a balanced approach to exam preparation. Combine our expert online practice tests with an active lifestyle to give your son the best chance of success in the Selective Test, OC test, and NAPLAN.

Ready to boost your son’s exam performance? Start practising with TestMagic’s online tests today and watch his confidence and results soar!