Why Your Kid Should Be a Multi-Sport Athlete

The multi-sport athlete is quickly becoming a dying breed in the U.S. Even as recent as a decade ago, kids were encouraged to play multiple sports. In fact, many high school athletes found a way to play three or four sports in one school year. That’s quickly becoming a thing of the past. The advancement of ‘club’ teams has essentially forced kids into sticking to one sport and that’s it. How is that possible you may be wondering? Let’s look at baseball, for example. America’s pastime is played in the spring and summer, leaving kids the opportunity to enjoy a second sport in the fall and even a third in the winter. Unfortunately, competitive travel teams have taken over. Today, the ‘specialization’ in youth sports remains a touchy subject. Coaches want players focused year-round on one sport while parents and kids think that such dedication may lead to a shot at the next level. That said, ‘specializing’ actually does more harm than good for a kid. Keep reading to learn five reasons why your son or daughter should play more than one sport.

1. Fewer overuse injuries – As explained by ESPN, a young person’s body can become overstressed by repetition and that stress can lead to injuries. Plus, sticking to one sport limits the necessary rest and recovery time. Keep in mind that playing multiple sports leads to better muscle, motor, and skill development while promoting athleticism, balance, speed, and agility.
2. Less chance for emotional burn-out – A kid who specializes is literally dedicating thousands of hours each year to one sport. In turn, they tire much more quickly of it than if they were playing other sports.
3. Exposure to different kids – Parents often forget that a big reason why their kid loves sports is the social aspect. By limiting them to one sport, you’re also preventing them from branching out and making unique connections and friendships.  
4. Exposure to different roles – Very rarely is a high school athlete the star in multiple sports. Don’t worry if your kid is a top performer in soccer but comes off the bench in basketball. Being comfortable in multiple roles allows your child to become a better competitor and all-around athlete. Plus, coaches should value the fact that they’re flexible, multi-dimensional, and coachable.
5. More options – Many parents limit their child to one sport because they mistakenly think he or she will see an automatic improvement in performance. That’s not the case! A handful of athletes get drafted by professional leagues in multiple sports. So don’t think you should put all your eggs in one basket.   

Individualized Athlete Training in Milwaukee

At BRX Performance, we do so much more than softball training and baseball training. Our team is proud to have clients from a variety of sports, including track and field, basketball, and swimming. From endurance training and functional training to agility training and speed training, we are here to help your child achieve incredible results.

If you’re concerned about your child ‘specializing’ in one sport and could use some additional support, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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