Articles and evidence-based blog posts on early sport specialization in young athletes.
Athlete or not, embarking on a resistance training program is not something that should just happen with a snap of the fingers. The integration of resistance training, in order to optimize youth physical development, requires thought. In this article, I review the research on how and when to integrate resistance training into the lives of children, as well as debunk the myth that resistance training destroys growth plates and stunts growth.
The importance of physical activity in youth cannot be overstated. The myriad of health benefits that come along with physical activity, both mental and physical, are well-documented [1-10]. These benefits include improved self-efficacy, life satisfaction, cardiovascular fitness, bone health and strength, body composition, and improved cognitive and mental health [1-10].
The combination of sport specialization and high-volume training has been associated with a high rate of overuse injuries in youth athletes. Because of this, multiple medical and professional organizations have recently released position statements warning against specialization and have given recommendations for safe sport participation in youth [1-5].
Athlete burnout from sport is becoming more prevalent alongside the increasing trend of early sport specialization in youth athletes. In this article, I offer 5 simple strategies to prevent athlete burnout.
The importance of physical and psychosocial health in youth cannot be overstated. This article reviews how early sport specialization impacts these factors in youth athletes.
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Single sport specialization can be defined as intensive, year-round training in one sport to the exclusion of others [1]. Many young athletes, parents, and coaches believe that early single-sport specialization is necessary for long-term athletic success [2-6]. But, does the research agree with this notion?
Okay, I know what you’re thinking. Yes, the title of the article is a bit harsh. But, it’s also true.