Although many coaches and parents attempt to persuade athletes to focus on one sport at a young age, this can actually hurt them. There are endless data and information that proves why young athletes should participate in multiple sports throughout the year. When limiting kids to one sport, their athletic talent and socialization can be negatively affected.
Advantages that multi-sport athletes have:
1. Different forms of movements and activities limits the chance of injury from overuse of a muscle due to one sport.
2. An entire new skill set can be transferred from one sport to the other. For example, endurance, communication, agility, and more.
3. Multi-sport athletes have a lesser chance of losing love for the game. This is because multiple sports breaks up the intensity and repetition of one certain sport. Many one sport athletes burn out and end up quitting the sport they once loved.
4. Multi-sport athletes have a higher chance of developing more mental and life skills. For example, teamwork, responsibility, and problem-solving are just some of the many skills.
5. Multi-sport athletes can also build confidence in many ways. All athletes have different levels of success and each sport they play brings a new chance for additional positivity and success.
Personally, I play both basketball and soccer and have experienced all of these benefits. At times, I have thought about just focusing on one sport, however, remembering these advantages have stopped me and I do not regret this decision.
Overall, the decision of whether or not to participate in multiple sports is up to you. There are valid reasons to stick with one sport, however, ultimately I believe that the positives of being a multi-sport athlete outway the bad.
I love this post because it's so true! Kids need variety as they grow!
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