Delaying sports specialization in youth athletes
Organized sports for children and adolescents has many positive outcomes, both physically and mentally. However, sports specialization is becoming ever more popular and can have adverse effects if done too early or under incorrect conditions. As well, youth athletes who train too intensively, whether specialized or not, put themselves at risk for injury.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has a great guideline and is one I use with all of my youth athletes. It’s not meant to deter hopeful athletes, but rather help them in their journey to achieving their athletic goals.
Important highlights:
Take 1 month off at least 3 times a year; this doesn’t mean lying on the couch playing video games. Think of it as active rest - play a different sport, play just for fun, change it up.
Play a variety of sports and delay specialization in a single sport until late adolescence.this can increase the likelihood of elite participation as the athlete has avoided injury/burnout and has developed a variety of sports skills. Think of some of your favourite all-stars (Aaron Judge, Michael Jordan, Lebron James); they excelled in multiple sports before specializing at a later age.
This is a good general guideline with very few exceptions (like gymnastics, swimming, and figure skating).
If you are, or someone you know is, a youth athlete and suffering from chronic or multiple injuries, it may be time to evaluate their current training. My goal is to help youth athletes to not only reach their full potential, but also stay in the game.
