It is better to challenge your body in different ways throughout the year to develop as an athlete.. But, it is better to encourage participation in a variety of athletic activities to develop athletic skills that transfer across all sports. This will lessen the dangers mentioned in this article, lead to young athletes reaching their full athletic potential and, who knows, maybe bring that coveted college scholarship. Pediatricians across the country have called for children to participate in a variety of physical activities. The majority of those players did not specialize in one sport during their high school careers. I think it is too late to start another sport now…"Have you ever heard statements like these? I am sad to say that I hear them all too often. One of their first questions is often: "What else did you do besides playing (insert primary sport here)?" There is evidence to support this.Burn out: Playing one sports day after day, week after week, year after year can lead to burn out at a fairly early age. Also, look at the draft picks each year in the NFL.
Someone playing hockey starting at the age of four may become tired and bored with the sport by the time they reach middle or high school. Different sports will put different stressors on your body leading to better overall athletic performance. All rights reserved.""My neighbor plays club basketball year round and is out indefinitely because of stress fractures in her lower legs…""All that I've ever played is soccer - now I'm not a starter so I'm going to quit. For example, over 75% of the 2004 football recruiting class for the Wisconsin Badgers is listed as playing multiple sports in high school. Children are starting organized sports at younger and younger ages. Stress fractures, compartment syndrome and other conditions often result from a China Fitness Equipments for sale lack of diversity in athlete's activities.More and more research is showing that early specialization does not ensure athletic success.Before someone decides to specialize, they should consider the dangers involved in participating in only one sport." The majority of athletes will benefit more from a variety of athletic experiences even if no scholarship offer ever comes. Besides, most college recruiters are looking for the best all-around athletes.
The College scholarship myth: As much as parents want their children to receive athletic scholarships, the truth is that a very small percentage of athletes actually attain this goal."My son wrestled since he was in grade school. Here are 4 Dangers of Specialization:Overuse injuries: stressing the body in the same way over and over again for all or a great part of the year can lead to overuse injuries. With the media screaming about the Tiger Woods and Venus and Serena Williams of the world, many people are making the mistake of starting one sport at a young - make that very young - age and specializing in it. Everything you do to become a better athlete will also make you a better (insert sport here) player.Not achieving your full athletic potential: While focusing on one sport will help you develop the necessary sport-specific skills, you will not develop other athletic skills that would transfer to your primary activity.
How often have you heard this on draft day: "We are going to draft the best overall athlete that is available…" Playing more than one sport is the best way to develop into that overall athlete. A scholarship in itself should not be the driving force behind choosing to participate in only one sport. Speed, balance, mental focus, jumping, twisting are all stressed differently in different sports.Sports should be encouraged from a young age.Copyright, Tim Kauppinen, 2005This article is protected by copyright, 2005, Tim Kauppinen. A person should not bank their health, happiness and future on the small chance of a "full ride. The lure of college scholarships has also convinced these people that specialization is the only way to become good at a sport. We hear about the few who do blossom from early specialization but what about the vast majority who don't "make it big" in their chosen sport? How many athletes can you think of that have become successful by not specializing? How about Deion Sanders, Bo Jackson, Jim Thorpe, Babe Didrickson, John Elway, and Marion Jones to name just a few. Now he is in high school and so burnt out that he didn't even go out for the team. Non - specialization provides breaks and other experiences to keep a primary sport interesting, challenging and fun