Variety is supposed to be the spice of life. But too many youth coaches and parents don’t seem to agree. Millions of young athletes continue to be guided toward year-round commitments in a single sport, augmenting traditional seasons with camps, clinics, indoor leagues and travel teams.

That’s a problem. On many levels.

Athletes who play multiple sports tend to develop better overall athleticism and skills that are transferable between sports. These multisport athletes are often more adaptable and versatile, traits that can be advantageous even at higher levels of competition. By contrast, athletes who specialize too early may plateau in their development and be less prepared to handle the demands of their sport as they progress.

Each year in the NFL survey of their incoming draft class more than 85% of those drafted played multiple sports all through high school. Most college coaches will tell you they prefer recruits who have played multiple sports. The data backs it up. A UCLA survey of NCAA of Division I athletes found that 88 percent participated in an average of at least two sports as kids, and 70 percent didn’t specialize in a single sport until they turned 12. (For what it’s worth, I’d say even 12 is too early to step away from other sports.)

There is also a greater risk for overuse injury when an athlete focuses on one sport. The National Federation of High School Sports (NFHS) reports that high school athletes who are moderately specialized (participates in a single sport or identifies a primary sport) have a 50% increased risk of an injury and those who are highly specialized (e.g., train in one sport 8 months a year) have an 85% increased risk of an injury compared to those who play multiple sports.

The problem extends beyond injury. According to the University of California San Francisco, 70% of kids who specialize in only one sport drop out of sports completely by the time they are 13 years old.  They get burned out and as they progress in one sport their options to make certain teams become more limited. They run out of options.

Another benefit of playing multiple sports? Meeting more friends and the chance to be coached by some smart, passionate leaders.

In this month’s newsletter we share the story of a few of our Pop Warner athletes who recently competed in the Little League World Series. When Luis Calo of Lake Mary, Florida stroked a double that moved his Southeast team past Texas and into the championship game his focus was surely on one thing – getting the bat on the ball. And Kolten Magno was in the zone when he made this highlight play at second base. But when the summer turns into fall their focus shifts from the diamond to catching passes, making tackles and winning football games.  

So, encourage your young athletes to try other sports, even if that’s playing pickup games with their friends, and enjoy the benefits that come with variety. 

Thanks!



Jon Butler
Executive Director