We're seeing more and more young people become too specialised in their sports but later on see other kids catch up to them.
Some of the best athletes in the world were also very good at other sport. And this is a real common theme across contact and non-contact sports.
Some of the potential issues that can come up from playing 1 sport only include:
- Limits overall athletic development
- Limits mental and social development
The key benefits we see with youth playing 2 or more sports are:
- Avid burnout
- Reduce injury risk
- Creates new and unique experiences
- Develop athletic characteristics and skills that can carry over into other sports
An easy way we go about this at Inner Athlete is for example, we work with junior elite swimmers. We focus on developing general strength, get them to relearn how to move properly and develop general athleticism. This will enable them to have a long career in the pool and minimise the chance of overuse injuries which can be common in swimmers. Any only prescribing them two dry-land/gym sessions a week seems to do the trick!
To find out how strength and conditioning training can best support your young one for long-term success, get in touch with us at info@inner-athlete.com.au.
Trent Pirihi
Founder and Head Strength Coach
Inner Athlete
