The pressure for young athletes to focus on a single sport from an early age has become increasingly common in today's competitive landscape. However, the risks may outweigh any reward, says Travis Frantz, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at Texas Health Orthopedic Specialists, a Texas Health Physicians Group practice in Bedford. We spoke with Frantz to shed some light on the realities of early sports specialization (ESS) and its impact on young athletes' physical and mental health.

What Is Early Sports Specialization?

Early sports specialization occurs when a young athlete, usually younger than 14, focuses on one sport year-round, often to the exclusion of other physical activities. This trend has grown as parents and coaches aim to help young athletes excel in their chosen sport, hoping to secure college scholarships or professional careers.

“Numerous studies have shown that early sport specialization slows overall motor development, increases the risk of injuries both in the short and long term, and creates higher rates of burnout and mental health consequences,” says Frantz.

Frantz adds that early sports specialization has traditionally been more common in individual sports such as tennis, dance, and gymnastics. However, it is now increasingly prevalent in team sports.

“In gymnastics, early specialization begins on average at age 9, and now in soccer at around age 11,” he explains. “The thought is that early specialization will lead to increased skill and mastery of the sport, and thus increase the chance of elite success, scholarships, and professional careers. The reality is that is very rare.”

A recent study of NCAA Division I athletes found that only 17% specialized in a sport at an early age (14 or younger). In fact, the average age of specialization for team sports like football, lacrosse, and baseball was between 15 and 17 years. Almost 95% of specialized athletes had previously played another organized sport prior to college, and 45% had played multiple sports up to age 16.

Risks of Early Sports Specialization

1. Delayed Motor Development and Injury Risks

Focusing exclusively on one sport can disrupt overall motor development, which is essential for physical coordination and control. Additionally, Frantz highlights that Early Sports Specialization nearly doubles the risk of injuries compared to multi-sport participation. This is particularly concerning in young athletes whose bodies are still developing.

One critical factor is the role of growth plates—soft areas of developing cartilage at the ends of long bones in children and adolescents. Growth plates are the last area of bone to harden, making them especially vulnerable to repetitive stress or high-impact activities.

For example, young baseball pitchers throwing for more than 8 months per year have a significantly increased risk of requiring shoulder or elbow surgery. Almost 60% of all ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (Tommy John) surgeries are now performed on adolescents, largely due to repetitive use before their musculoskeletal systems have fully matured.

“The repetitive nature of performing the same sport-specific skills places tremendous stress on growing bodies,” Frantz explains. “This often leads to overuse injuries and long-term musculoskeletal issues.”

Overuse injuries, such as stress fractures, are common in sports that involve repetitive motions like throwing, running, or jumping.

2. Mental Health Concerns and Burnout

The psychological toll of Early Sports Specialization is just as concerning as the physical risks. Athletes who specialize early often face burnout, which can manifest as:

• Fatigue or exhaustion
• Loss of interest in the sport or reluctance to attend practices or games
• Increased irritability, mood swings, or emotional outbursts
• Physical signs of stress, such as chronic pain or injuries that don’t heal
• Declining performance despite regular practice

If these signs are present, it’s important to encourage rest, reassess goals, and consider consulting with a medical professional or sports psychologist.

According to the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), the dropout rate for youth sports is 70%. This high dropout rate suggests that many young athletes may not be satisfied with their current sports experience.

This is especially problematic when young athletes are pressured to prioritize winning or elite performance over enjoyment. Another study found that one-third of athletes reported experiencing pressure from a coach to focus on a single sport.

“Children and adolescents need intrinsic motivation and enjoyment to stay engaged in sports,” Frantz notes. “When the fun is removed, it creates significant physical and mental stress.”

Burnout is not only emotionally draining but can also lead to declining performance, injuries, or withdrawal from other important activities like academics or family time.

Is Specialization Ever Beneficial?

Early Sports Specialization may be unavoidable in certain individual sports like gymnastics, figure skating, or tennis, where early mastery is often a pathway to elite success. However, Frantz points out that for most sports, delaying specialization leads to better outcomes. Athletes who played multiple sports until their mid-teens reported fewer injuries and higher levels of satisfaction in their athletic careers.

Interestingly, across a poll of professional athletes, 61.7% believed that specialization was helpful in allowing adolescents to compete at an elite level, but only 22.3% said that they would want their own children to specialize in a single sport if given the opportunity. This point offers a unique viewpoint as to whether specialization is necessary or is worth the associated risks from the perspective of parents who were able to compete at the highest level athletically.

Finding the Right Balance in Youth Sports

The sports your child decides to play can depend on many factors, including:

• What they enjoy
• What they have access to
• What works for your family

But to make sure your child’s sports mix is balanced and safe, Frantz recommends the following tips:

• Prioritize Rest and Recovery
  Rest is essential for growing bodies, especially those under the strain of repetitive motions. Ensuring your child takes breaks from sport-specific activities, especially during overlapping seasons, is crucial to their health.

• Encourage Cross-Training
  Encourage participation in different sports or activities that work with varying muscle groups. Cross-training not only reduces injury risks but also enhances overall athletic performance.

• Keep It Fun

“The sport should be fun and engaging,” Frantz emphasizes. “This is especially true for younger athletes, as enjoyment is key to maintaining motivation.”

• Delay Specialization
  Frantz’s advice to parents is clear: “Don’t do it. Play more than one sport, at least until the teenage years.”

While early sports specialization may seem like a fast track to athletic success, the evidence suggests it often leads to more harm than good. By encouraging your child to explore multiple sports, prioritize rest, and maintain balance, you can support their physical and mental well-being — and their long-term love for the game.

Find a sports medicine specialist near you on the medical staff of a Texas Health hospital.

Providers employed by Texas Health Physicians Group are not employees or agents of Texas Health Resources hospitals. © 2024 Texas Health Resources. Doctors on the medical staffs practice independently and are not employees or agents of Texas Health hospitals or Texas Health Resources. © 2024 Texas Health Resources