There is research to suggest that specializing in youth sports before the age of 12 years is not beneficial and may actually be detrimental to the child’s athletic development. With the increasing pressure on kids to participate in year-around club sports activities (particularly in sports like volleyball, soccer, baseball, basketball, and soccer—sports in which club teams are big business) and the blind hope of a college scholarship, many parents succumb and allow the child to self-select (or worse, elect for the child) a single sport focus at a much too early age. Beyond the athletic development that can come from playing multiple sports, there are certainly also benefits to the athlete’s wellness—what I like to refer to as “well-centered fitness”.
Spiritual. Team participation teaches youth that there is something greater than self. Some sports do this better than others—some much better than others—so, it is beneficial for young athletes to be a part of a team. It is also beneficial for the athlete to be a part of several types of teams—hence, multiple sports are recommended. The dynamics of team sports (e.g., football, basketball, etc.) are much different than of individual sports (e.g., wrestling). I would suggest that young athletes be exposed (for better or worse) to both. Team sports can be supportive or cut-throat, depending on the players, coaches, and, often, parents. Ideally, the youth are being coached (and parented) to be supportive and team- rather than self-promoting. Though many individual sports are also team sports, there can be a greater desire to elevate the intra-squad competition—e.g., “I get better because you get better”. I love the sport of wrestling for this. (I have learned many Spiritual lessons from the sport.) Individual sports are also most often driven by an element of self-determination. In other words, you make the varsity because you have out-performed your teammate to win you spot. There is little element of favoritism. This drives performance both individually and collectively.
Physical. Athleticism is not sport-specific. There is much carryover from one sport to another. Participating in a variety of sports also reduces the rate of injury—particularly overuse injury—from sports participation. (Look at the statistics for the rate of Tommy John surgery in high school baseball players.) Variety, particularly in the early years, allows for the more optimal physical and neuromotor development of adolescent athletes.
Intellectual. Sports aren’t known for intellectual development, of course, but variety in physical performance can facilitate a greater overall sports I.Q. It also better completes the “software” programming of the brain relative to movement patterns and long-term participation in physical activity.
Emotional. Youth sports should be fun. Convincing a child that he or she has to commit to one sport robs them of countless opportunities and experiences. Putting pressure on them to win and to make travel teams is unnecessarily stressful—and may diminish their passion for the sport. Let them enjoy the pleasures that sports have to offer. Teach them that sports are about growth, doing one’s best, and having fun.
Social. Some of my longest lasting friendships have come though sports. Fair play, graciousness in victory and defeat, a sense of fellowship with competitors, as well as teammates, are just a few of the social benefits of sports participation that will carry forward into all aspects of one’s life. These are learned in a variety of ways through participation in a variety of sports.
Participation in a variety of sports throughout one’s youth allows the athlete to be multi-dimensional and to grow more broadly. Specialization tends to emphasize the self—making of varsity over others, making club/travel teams, getting a scholarship. The numbers of athletes who go on to play in college (let alone get full-ride scholarships that even begin to pay for all the club fees, travel, and special coaches that parents pay out) are very small. Fewer athletes go on to play professionally or become Olympians. Focus on being an athlete and developing the whole person, and the opportunities will come. Talented athletes will find a team whether they play year-around or whether they play for the best club team. It is all about the athlete and what he/she does with his/her talents.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow!
Carpe momento!