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The Fatal Flaw of Early Specialization In Youth Sports

June 13, 20222 min read
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WHY EARLY SPECIALISATION NEEDS TO BE COMPLIMENTED WITH STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

One of the biggest dilemmas for sporting parents is the decision on when their sporting kids should choose one sport to specialise.

On one hand, it’s what all the greatest athletes in the world did. Tiger Woods, the Williams Sisters, Cristiano Ronaldo (and many others) are all famous for starting sport from an early age and going all in.

But like most things in life, the greatest athletes in the world are usually not the best to model off…

They are exceptions to the rule.

The vast majority of professional athletes, you’ll find that they are multi-sport athletes.

They play lots of sports and engage in as many activities as possible when they’re young.

They’re a couple of reasons for this.

  • It improves decision-making because exposure to multiple sporting environments helps with pattern recognition.

  • It increases the amount of movement ‘solutions’ that an athlete has at their disposal when faced with a movement ‘problem.’

  • It gives them a better chance to find what they love and as a result reduces burn out.

 

Sporting parents can apply this same principle to their approach to strength and conditioning for their kids, too.

If you’re a sporting parent and have already decided with your kid what to specialise in, then the best thing you can do is to diversify into S&C.

It’s the best way to improve athleticism without taking away from sports practice.

It helps youth athletes get stronger, faster, fitter and more physical…

These are attributes that almost every athlete besides darts and archery can benefit from.

Most of all, it builds confidence.

As teen athletes, this is something that can make or break them.

A physical, strong, powerful and fast athlete is not an athlete that lacks confidence on the field of play.

They are the ones that dominate on and off the field.

For the youth athletes we’ve helped, this has been the game-changer.

It’s the reason why we’ve been able to help over 350 athletes turn pro… and thousands of others get more enjoyment from sport.

So if your son or daughter is already specialising, then reach out to us to see how we can take your kid’s performance to the next level by joining our Emerging Athlete Program.

After you submit your application, our team will call you to see how we can help.


Want to set up your kids for success? We help young athletes emerge as champions. Click here to learn more.

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