Is Only Running The Best Thing???

There is a current trend to specialize our youth athletes long before necessary. Don’t get caught in the trap of allowing your child to only participate in their best performing sport. Childen under 13 or 14 with little exception  need not specialize to get a so called edge on the competion. Being well rounded is the best edge a child can get.

Well intentioned youth sport coaches often follow the lead of adult elite coaches and develop a training program that is tailor made for an adult but not for a growing child. I cannot overstate the value of varied sports activity. If you or the coach are not allowing your child this opportunity,  you are prohibiting her to grow as a complete athlete.This is obviously counterproductive and impedes the optimal development of young athletes.   Research and common sense show that children do not posses the attention span to concentrate on one athletic skill for a prolonged period of time. If forced to they will most often develop the habits, and a form you don’t want them to develop, and an arsenal full of attitude you won’t like either. The best of the best athletes rarely chose a single sport to focus on in the beginning. They played and experienced many sports.

Diversification is  key.  There is more than enough time and opportunity to specialize. Fun is first priority.  Recently I had the privilege of interviewing Olympic Gold medalist Harvey Glance.  

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Harvey began his track experience at the age of 7. He states that he loved running and he loved many other sports as well. He didn’t just run because he was “good” he ran because it was fun. It wasn’t until 15 or 16 he made the decision to focus on track and field. When he made that decision within 4 to 5 more years he won his first of two gold medals in the 100 meters. Did he lose anything from participating in several other sports not at all.  A matter of fact he states he was able to see what would possibly bring him the most success based on comparison.  

 Give your youth athlete lot’s of positive reinforcement, ask him questions about his feelings and the sports he or she participates in.  Remember, it is all-encompassing athletic skill that leads to proficiency in single sports - not specialization.   When “Coach Henry” and I plan for meets and train Lauren we always plan in fun. Fun with the workouts is so important. The season gets long and tiring for a child that would rather at times go play.    Know your child. Know what he thinks is fun. Develop games that will condition and develop as well as promote fun and enjoyment. 

  People often tell me that Lauren looks like she is having fun. She looks like an 8 year old. That makes me happy. I believe she will have fun for years to come because that is the focus not the gold medals.   They come when she is having fun! 

Trackmom  

Related posts:

1. Eating The Right Foods After Training for Proper Recovery
2. No More McDonald’s ……No More
3. Common Characteristics Of Elite Youth Athletes
4. A Postive Look At A Negative Topic
5. For Young Athletes Having Fun Is#1