The trend of youth specialization is leading to higher risk of injury and burnout, according to an article published in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine.
Here are four observations:
1. Athletic trainer Kristin Miller sees more and more children are being pressured to focus on one sport and train year round.
2. Ms. Miller said the side effects of this trend can go well beyond the training room, for instance, causing psychological issues from having to play so much because the children don’t want to.
3. Another concern is athletes focusing on just one sport to have injuries caused by overuse.
4. Head trainer at Rockford University, Holli Newcomer said that concern is not necessarily the case with athletes that play different sports year round.