Being a professional coach for 15 years, one of the most common questions I get asked is when should children start specializing in a particular sport?
I believe that young athletes should be exposed to and play a variety of sports. Playing a variety of sports will help their long-term development and develop a wide variety of physical and mental skills that will make them well-rounded people and athletes.
There are many examples of famous athletes who played multiple sports growing up before pursuing the sport that made them into household names.
Playing a variety of sports, young athletes will:
Build a Solid Foundation and Wider Skill Set.
Playing a variety of sports will allow young athletes to improve their overall skill set. They will develop a wider range of motor skills while building their strength and endurance. Doing multiple sports will allow them to use different muscles and techniques they wouldn't otherwise use and develop them into well-rounded athletes.
Avoids Injury
When young athletes specialize in one sport early, they use the same muscle group, techniques, and movement patterns. With no variety in movement and muscle development, the muscle group that is frequently used, will break down and wear out from overuse. It can often lead to overuse injuries that could lead to long-term effects.
Playing a variety of sports will allow the young athletes to develop and train different muscle groups, skills, and movement patterns, that can be transferred to different sports.
Staying Engaged and Avoiding Burnout
Young athletes, playing multiple sports don't get bored. Getting bored from doing the same movement or playing the same sport can lead to injury and burnout.
Burnout is not seen as frequently in multisport athletes. Athletes who have burnt out stop enjoying the process and fall out of love with the sport.
The balance of playing a variety of sports keeps young athletes alert, and engaged and leads to better interaction on and off the field, and allows them to stay in the sport for the long term.
Develop Mental and Life Skills
Sport has a great way of teaching young athletes mental and life skills. Players will learn to communicate, problem solves, work together, and be accountable. Even though, playing one sport will teach all these skills, playing a variety of sports will teach young athletes to be adaptable in different environments, and expose them to different roles on a team that will make them better-rounded players.
Building Self Confidence
Sport is a great way to build confidence in young athletes. Playing a variety of sports there will be a level of success to be achieved whether it's big or small. As they continue to achieve success by playing a variety of sports, their confidence will grow and they will learn that they can overcome any challenge or obstacle they are presented with.
It is important to understand that sport is a long-term journey for young athletes and to be successful, the focus is on developing well-rounded athletes that will enjoy and love the process of playing sports.
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