Sport Specialization

Q:

There is pressure to have our elementary age children specialize (focus) on a single sport.  Is there research on this topic?

A:

Over the last 25 years, specializing in a single sport at a young age has become more and more common.  The reasons for specializing vary but the most common reason cited is the fear of a child falling behind kids that are participating in a structured single sport program.

Early research on this topic provided inconclusive answers.  Recent research has found many negative effects on children specializing in a single sport.  These include:

1. Children specializing in a single sport account for 50% of overuse injuries
2. Early specialization leads to burnout and inactivity as an adult
3. Early specialization is a predictor of future injury. A Loyola University study found specialized athletes are 70% to 93% more likely to be injured than children who played multiple sports
4. Early specialization results in higher stress levels and lack of enjoyment

Beyond the negatives, the following benefits arise from early multi-sport participation:

1. Better decision making, pattern recognition, and increased creativity
2. Better overall motor/athletic development and sport skill transfer
3. Increased motivation, ownership of the sports experience, and confidence

A final topic to note:  Research also found that unstructured “free play” is important.  As “free play” provides a high level of enjoyment, increases motor skills, emotional ability, creativity; and results in greater sport engagement.

The following website and article were used in answering the question:

http://changingthegameproject.com/is-it-wise-to-specialize/