TRAIN TO SHINE WITHOUT BURNING OUT

Specialization of youth athletes is based off of data about training kids released between 1973-1992. This model was based on the idea of identifying talent early and then “out training” the competition to greatness. However, since the turn of the century scientists and trainers have discovered that for a myriad of different reasons, this talent-identification model is not the best, healthiest, or most efficient way of insuring a child’s athletic success. Furthermore, it can be dangerous to their development and lead them toward quitting.

“Focusing only on one sport, year-round, can increase kids’ risk of injury and burnout, according to a clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics”(AAP)( Reuters, Doyle, 2016)

“Sport specialization frequently introduces multiple stressors that could be expected to adversely affect mental health and function in young athletes and may increase the risk for burnout.” (Journal of Athletic Training, 2019)

According to a multilateral study on youth in sports, “a talent-development approach involves a long-term commitment to an inclusive process that focuses on children’s needs and their continued participation in sport. A talent-development approach to children’s sport provides the most appropriate and adapted environment for long-term development of skills for a larger number of participants. This approach to youth sport appears to be a more efficient way of designing sport programs for children” (Côté, Coakley, & Bruner, 2011)