Multisport participation for young athletes, should they do it?

When it comes to our kids, we want the best for them, especially when they're passionate about a sport. But sometimes, our eagerness to help can actually backfire. The idea that more is always better often leads to misconceptions in the sports world, especially for young athletes. Early specialization in just one sport is a hot topic, and it’s crucial for parents and coaches to steer their kids in the right direction when it comes to their sports development.

A statement from the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine says early specialization isn’t a must for success in sports. Tony Gentilcore’s article highlights why parents should think twice before ruling out playing multiple sports. The downsides of early specialization are well documented, but let’s take a look at some benefits of playing multiple sports:

1. Better Overall Athletic Development
The best athletes are strong, fast, and agile. To develop these qualities, young players need to move in a variety of ways. Focusing on just one sport limits overall muscle development. The athletic demands of one sport can actually carry over to others. In the early stages, skill development isn’t as important as athletic development.

2. Improved Neuromuscular Efficiency and Coordination
At a young age, the central nervous system is like a sponge—ready to quickly learn and absorb new movement patterns. As we get older, it becomes harder to pick up skills that are developed through playing multiple sports. The more comfortable we become moving our bodies in different ways, the more efficient we’ll be at executing tasks on the field.

3. Mental Resilience
It’s human nature to take the path of least resistance. We naturally stick to what we’re good at. But avoiding things that challenge us doesn’t lead to growth or success in life. You might be the team’s star quarterback, but struggle with tennis. Taking the time to improve in a sport that feels tough will give you a real sense of accomplishment—and teach you valuable life lessons.

4. A Chance to Discover New Interests
You never know until you try! This saying definitely applies to sports. Your little hockey player might be surprised to find out they love baseball once they give it a shot.

5. Reduced Risk of Burnout
Chances are, your young athlete might get bored playing just one sport year after year. Kids crave new experiences and variety. Keeping them active across different sports will help them stay motivated and engaged.

6. Have Fun!
This is the biggest perk of playing multiple sports. Never forget why we’re doing sports in the first place. We want our kids to play with their friends, build new relationships, and lead a healthy lifestyle.

The article Multisport Participation for Young Athletes – Should They? first appeared on Coach Ball.