Wait to Specialize

If you are a softball player or even the parent of a softball player, I encourage you to have big dreams! The bigger the better.

I work with a lot of kids who say they want to play college softball, their parents echo that sentiment and help them by taking them to lessons, practices, games, tournaments, showcases, camps, and countless other obligations to help foster their growth. They play rec ball, travel ball, school ball, guest play, and the list goes on. That is amazing! I love when kids are dedicated and driven. Here is why I don't love the idea of kids specializing in one sport and one position early...

When I was a kid, I dreamed of being a professional beach volleyball player, I had a poster of Gabriel Reece hanging from my wall. I stood outside my garage for hours and hit the ball against the house. I passed to myself and asked anyone and everyone to pass or play pepper. This was similar for softball. I always had a ball in my hand or a glove, I loved volleyball and softball so much. So, what is the problem? Today we are asking kids to specialize in sports far too young. Children as young as eight or nine are pigeonholed into a position on a team, not because they love the position but because they fit the need of the team. I have seen it myself. Very athletic and talented kids are recruited to teams because they fill a hole. As an outsider I see how this is detrimental to children, and I don't think that should be happening at a young age.

Children are meant to play multiple sports, it helps to develop coordination, athleticism, communication, and helps kids become well rounded. When kids play multiple sports, they are at less risk of overuse injuries from the constant repetition needed to perform skills for a specific sport. It also decreases the risk for burnout. When I played, some of the most talented players quit when they got to high school because they were burnt out.

As parents and coaches, we need to create an environment where kids can play multiple sports, take rest periods or off seasons and enjoy other hobbies and activities. A common misconception is that if children take time off from a sport, they will lose ability or fall behind their peers. If a child does not do any activity that may happen but if the child is active and pursuing other interests, they will be far better off! So, while it is enticing to play the year-round softball schedule at high intensity consider that could be the reason why your child isn’t making progress and nursing nagging injuries, or losing interest in the game.