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Early vs. Late Specialization in Sports

❌ Early sport specialization, the path to injury, burnout and suboptimal performance?


As a fresh father of three, I am thinking about this early vs. late specialization debate a lot. Seeing my son playing football matches 80% of his training, while general athletic development (jumping, catching, throwing,…) would likely be a much better option for him long-term.


Most of the data follow this idea, particularly the study discussed in slide 8 is interesting. Researchers surveyed 148 elite and 95 near-elite Danish athletes (24.5 years old on average; track and field, weightlifting, cycling, rowing, swimming, skiing) and found that the elite group of athletes began to specialize in their sport of choice ~3.5 years later and spent far fewer hours practicing its main sport during early adolescence (before 18 years old), compared with the near-elite group.


Key to longevity in sports in having fun as a kid and remaining injury free. Best chances of achieving these goals are letting kids play multiple (different) sports at young age and focus on getting strong and athletic.

or

Just sign them up to CrossFit kids 😊

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