Sport Specialization vs. Playing Multiple Sports
Concentrating on a single sport (team sports in particular) year-round is a relatively new concept for youth sports. The short-term benefits of full-time, intense training in one sport include a sharp improvement in skill set and game knowledge. However, over the longer term, young athletes can be prone to overuse injuries, decreased athletic development and burnout as the excitement and enthusiasm wanes. This position is also supported by the National Institute of Health, The Mayo Clinic, The Sports Institute, UCLA Health and The American Academy of Pediatrics, among others.
According to The Aspen Institute and Project Play, multi-sport participation builds better athletes, can lead to better performance, less burnout and more lifelong enjoyment in sports.
Texas Twist Fastpitch promotes and encourages our athletes to play multiple sports and will accommodate schedules of multi-sport athletes, as we feel the benefits far outweigh the risks. Many skills from other sports translate directly to softball and can give multi-sport athletes an advantage over those choosing to play softball exclusively. The same is true of softball skills translating to other sports. Additionally, playing a variety of sports can teach players different methods to cope with mental stresses and may lead to long-term enjoyment and sports participation. Many Texas Twist teams have competed together in other sports such as volleyball and basketball, with some of those players earning scholarships in another sport ( see our Wall of Fame).
Eventually, athletes will choose the one sport they excel at and enjoy the most. We believe that’s a decision that should be made in high school. Until then, let them be kids and have fun playing as many sports as they desire.
Eventually, athletes will choose the one sport they excel at and enjoy the most. We believe that’s a decision that should be made in high school. Until then, let them be kids and have fun playing as many sports as they desire.