On the surface, the idea of having a child specialize in one sport has some merit. If he really loves baseball, for example, the opportunity to play baseball throughout the year seems like a home run, so to speak. And given the frequently high level of competition at the high school and college levels and the challenges of securing an athletic scholarship, specializing in one sport would seem to give a young athlete an advantage over his multi-sport peers. But the negative effects of specializing in one sport outweigh the benefits for some kids.
Boredom and Burnout
Specializing in one sport usually means that young athletes play that sport throughout the year, instead of during a four- or five-month season. Organizations such as AAU offer seasons that pick up as soon as Little League or a scholastic season ends. The result of ongoing sports can lead to physical burnout and overuse injuries, as well as psychological burnout, leaving a child tired of playing that particular sport.
All Eggs in One Basket
By deciding to focus a child's efforts in one sport, with the hopes of that child developing into an outstanding athlete in that sport, parents end up pinning all their hopes on something that may not be best suited for the kid. A child who shows promise as a swimmer, for instance, may never become a great swimmer, despite practicing and competing for years as a swimmer only. By letting them try a variety of sports, kids often find that their true strengths lie in some unexpected places.
Depriving of Opportunities
Playing only one sport can deprive a child of meeting kids who play other sports, and enjoying the competition and social opportunities that come with other sports. A child who participates in only an individual sport will never know the camaraderie that comes from being part of a team. Sport specialization also prevents a child from developing a wider range of skills.
Multiple Sports Mean Multiple Benefits
Workouts that involve your muscles in a variety of exercises can be more effective than doing the same exercises over and over. The same benefits can be accrued from playing different sports. A pitcher who throws too many pitches in one year may be doing gradual harm to his joints by repeatedly throwing with the same motion and the same velocity. Letting that pitcher play soccer, for example, gives his arm a rest while boosting his leg strength on the soccer pitch.
References
- Guilford Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Center; Age of Specialization: One Sport Vs. Multisports; Detavius Mason
- American Academy of Pediatrics; Intensive Training and Sports Specialization in Young Athletes; Committee on Sports Medicine and Fitness
- AthleticManagement.com; My Top 10 Challenges; Dan Cardone
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