|
Doctor's
Orders: Cross Training
A
group of pediatricians has just written a report that is really
important for every kid who plays sports. And their parents, too.
The American Academy of Pediatrics' message, once you get past all
the doctor-talk such as "apophysitis" and "osteochondritis
dissecans,"
is pretty simple: Kids under 13 or 14 years old should not play
the same
sport year-round.
Why? Because kids who specialize in one sport are more likely to
get hurt or burned out.
The doctors say that kids should try a bunch of sports until they
get to high school. Once they are in high school, then they can
concentrate on one.
So if you are 10 years old and playing fall soccer, indoor soccer
in the winter, spring soccer, and going to soccer camp in the summer
. .
.
Stop.
Doctors' orders.
Oh, I can hear some kids screaming right now.
But I love soccer.
But consider this: The doctors said that kids who play a variety
of
sports and put off specializing in just one "are more consistent
performers [and] have fewer injuries than those who specialize early."
So take up baseball in the spring or volleyball in the winter. Go
to a tennis camp in the summer. Try lacrosse. It's called "cross
training." And who knows, you might just find another sport
you love.
How can I be the next Michael Jordan if I don't play basketball
all
the time?
Keep in mind that Jordan played baseball and football as a kid.
Playing those sports didn't keep him from being great at basketball--in
fact, it might have helped him.
Same deal with lots of sports stars. Chris Drury plays in the
National Hockey League. As a kid he also played baseball and played
it
well. His team went to the Little League World Series.
Atlanta Braves pitcher Tom Glavine played hockey as a kid.
Red Sox shortstop Nomar Garciaparra played three sports all through
high school: soccer, basketball and, of course, baseball.
Golf great Jack Nicklaus played hoops in high school.
So relax. Mix up the games you play. Explore all your talents and
maybe even discover new ones.
Don't worry, you've got time to become a superstar.
|
