An athlete who specializes early or plays on an ultra-competitive select team is at increased risk of burnout or quitting sports as a result of chronic stress, repetitive strain1 and a decrease in intrinsic motivation and enjoyment during their training sessions. 2
No matter how athletically gifted your
child may seem, if playing sports isn't fun, if your daughte
r feels
pressure to achieve greatness, it won't be long before she quits. If
she does, you will always be left to wonder what she could have
achieved had she taken a more balanced approach to sports.
Even talented athletes can tire of their sport because of what it takes to win. The boy's swimming program at Greenwich (CT) High School has been hugely successful, losing only one meet in the last twenty-five years. Yet just a handful of swimmers have gone on to swim in college. After participating in two-a-day practices, morning and night, every day for four years, it's no wonder they were sick of swimming!
Use your intuition to find the right balance, one that helps your child develop his skills but doesn't burn up all of his athletic energy too early.
1. Gould D, Tuffey S, Udry E, Loehr J. Burnout in competitive junior tennis players: Qualitative analysis. Sport Psychologist 1996;10:341-346.
2. Wall M, Coté J. Developmental activities that lead to drop out and investment in sport. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy 2007;12:77-87.
Updated January 17, 2012
