Can Sport Specialization Cause Youth Injuries?
An increase in sport specialization -- whereby young athletes play only one competitive sport from an early age -- is causing a drastic rise in serious injuries among children, medical experts have warned.
With an abundance of riches awaiting talented youngsters fortunate enough to reach the pro ranks, parents, coaches and the kids themselves are increasingly tempted to focus on a single sport rather than playing several sports depending on the season.
With sports academies, travel teams, all-star leagues and off-season tournaments growing in number, children as young as 10 often find themselves concentrating on a sport year-round, much like a professional.
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"There are multiple factors, but a major one is specialization. They play only one sport. Plus, they play that sport a lot. They don't just play soccer for three months, they might play it for eight or nine months. They are training all year. More practice, more games, maybe three games in close succession at a weekend tournament. The intensity and volume is higher. And so is the risk."
More here
An increase in sport specialization -- whereby young athletes play only one competitive sport from an early age -- is causing a drastic rise in serious injuries among children, medical experts have warned.
With an abundance of riches awaiting talented youngsters fortunate enough to reach the pro ranks, parents, coaches and the kids themselves are increasingly tempted to focus on a single sport rather than playing several sports depending on the season.
With sports academies, travel teams, all-star leagues and off-season tournaments growing in number, children as young as 10 often find themselves concentrating on a sport year-round, much like a professional.
More here
"There are multiple factors, but a major one is specialization. They play only one sport. Plus, they play that sport a lot. They don't just play soccer for three months, they might play it for eight or nine months. They are training all year. More practice, more games, maybe three games in close succession at a weekend tournament. The intensity and volume is higher. And so is the risk."
More here