Why do parents focus on putting their kids on an intense one-sport-only track? Do they think it will help them reach professional sports levels sooner? Will it give them a better chance by sacrificing other sports?
The answer might surprise you.
Sport specialization – an intense focus on one sport year-round – is necessary at some point in adolescence to help an athlete ultimately reach the top level in the future. Some may believe that taking this route early provides the athlete with a head start. The reality is that a multi-sport childhood can be more of an advantage to future sports development… as well as better mental health.
It is well documented that there is an increased number of injuries with childhood single sport specialization – yet we still do it, Ouch! The injuries come from increased year-round participation with the same repeated physical and psychological stresses. Some examples of this are little league elbow and shoulder in minor baseball, and repeated concussions in contact sports. Another serious example is the ‘female athlete triad’ which results in eating disorders, low bone density and menstrual disturbance – more common in gymnastics, endurance training, and sports that require a sleek physique.
Statistics have consistently shown higher burnout rates with sport specialization prior to the mid-teens, and quitting sports entirely in some cases, when compared to multi- sport athletes. They just can’t keep going – and nobody can blame them.
All their eggs have been put in one basket; their friends, their mentors in the form of coaches, their physical and social activity, their passion, identity, and possibly their only reward system.
Single sport athletes who have burnt out have often blamed the lack of control and choice, a lower sense of fun, injuries, increased expectations and criticism from parents in particular, as their reasons for burnout. The combination of psychological burnout alongside injury also leads to higher depression rates.
Early sport specialization does not automatically predestine an athlete to these negative scenarios, but it introduces higher risks and missed opportunities if the end goal is indeed to become a professional athlete.
Multi-sport youth athletes develop different movement patterns and skills. Think of the precise hand – eye coordination and reactions from baseball or the foot-eye coordination from soccer. This has been referred to as filling the ‘movement toolbox’ with a greater variety of movement, giving you an advantage if you do choose to specialize later on.
Unlike adults, youth athletes are not yet certain which physical and psychological demands best suit them, so variety is key. Multi-sport participation allows this flexible adaptation pathway.
This strategy adds choice, increasing motivation and continued participation. Research also demonstrates that that multi-sport athletes are subject to fewer injuries. This creates a more resilient, well-rounded (and happier) athlete. The benefits of diverse social and psychological environments, and physical adaptations from multiple sports are invaluable
Finally, only 1% of elite child or university athletes go pro. Of those that do make it in elite adult sports, the youth multi-sport athletes overall have longer careers and spend less time out injured. Of the 99% that do not make it, the multi-sport athletes have more successful alternate careers. The childhood multi-sport pathway is a win-win.
Hockey Hall of Famer, Wayne Gretzky, recognized the advantages of playing different sports, saying ‘playing every sport you can is only beneficial.’
Anyone seeking more information about sports development and injuries are invited to contact the author at hello@trailphysio.ca.
By Gary Wall, Physiotherapist, Trail Physio
