Why young athletes should play multiple sports

One of the most dramatic shifts in youth sports over recent years has been a shift toward single-sport specialization. Kids as young as 7 and 8 years old are starting to play one sport year round instead of playing a variety of sports.

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Parents and coaches want young athletes to play only one sport

Parents and coaches use a fairly simple argument to push their kids to specialize in one sport. By picking one sport and training only in that sport, the young athlete would be more likely to excel at that sport. This specialization would theoretically make dreams of college scholarships and pro contracts more achievable.

Specializing in one sport increases the risk of injury for young athletes

That early single-sport specialization also increases the chance a child gets hurt. Any sport involves repetitive motions. Over time, those motions cause stress that can build up and cause overuse injuries. By allowing a kid to play different sports, stress is limited to one region of the body for a few months. The next sport then works other body parts. For example, the baseball pitcher who uses his shoulder and elbow for the spring season can let his arm rest while running in soccer over the summer.

The benefits of kids playing multiple sports

Playing a variety of sports help kids develop skills they might not if they only play one sport all the time.

Plus, by playing a variety of sports, the child can really figure out for himself what sport he wants to play rather than the sport a parent or coach wants him to play. He might have more fun and avoid burnout.

As he gets older, and as his body matures, he can begin playing one sport year round.

Please remember, while I appreciate your questions, I cannot and will not offer specific medical advice by email, online, on my show, or in the comments at the end of these posts. My responses are meant to provide general medical information and education. Please consult your physician or health care provider for your specific medical concerns.

[DrDavidGeier]

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[brittanyperry]

my son plays several sports we only have a rule that if he signs up he finishes the season no quitting, if he hates it he never has to play again. Granted i would say if he could play baseball all year he probably would but i like the different games and watching and he has gained several friends in each one and only gets to see those friends during that sport. it's actually funny because sometimes he'll play on the same team as a kid during one sport and then they play against each other during other sports. I think this is good in a way too because it keeps the games friendly and happy no matter who wins or loses. We even cheer for the kids on opposite teams if they make a good hit or shot. I have actually had to tell him to pay attention because he'll strike up a conversation during the game with players on the other team.