Why Youth Athletes Should Play More Than One Sport
Youth sports are meant to be fun. But over the years, early specialization — focusing on just one sport from a young age — has become more common, and more concerning.
At APEX PWR, our physical therapy team sees the consequences of this trend every day: burnout, overuse injuries, and young athletes walking away from sports entirely.
“Fun matters more.”
“Working hard and having fun are different,” says Dr. Emily Cullen, DPT.
“Very few athletes will end up playing in college. Let’s do more to make sports fun, enjoyable, and something that people want to do throughout their lifespan,” adds Dr. Dustin Zink, DPT.
And the data backs it up. According to research and the American Academy of Pediatrics, athletes who diversify early and specialize later are more likely to stay active and injury-free.
Specialization Can Lead to Burnout and Injury
- As many as 70% of youth athletes discontinue playing organized sports by age 13.
- At least 50% of youth athletic injuries are overuse-related.
- Youth athletes now face pressure to compete in a single sport year-round — especially in sports like baseball and soccer, where clubs and lessons span every season.
Parents told our team at a recent baseball facility visit that if their child doesn’t play fall baseball, they’re afraid they’ll fall behind. But the reality is:
More isn’t always better. Smarter is better.
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics, Buckley et al., Orthop J Sports Med, 2017
What the Research Shows
A study by Buckley et al. (2017) of over 3,000 athletes found:
- 45% of high school athletes specialized — and 39.9% reported injury
- 67% of college athletes specialized — and 42.1% had a history of injury
- 46% of professional athletes specialized — but had the lowest injury rate at 25.4%
The takeaway? The more athletes specialize early, the more likely they are to get injured.
Specializing doesn’t improve long-term outcomes. It increases risk.
Early Diversification Leads to Lifelong Athleticism
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:
- Taking at least 1–2 days off per week from a sport
- Taking 3 months off per year (total) for recovery
- Playing a variety of sports to decrease stress and injury risk
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics, 2016
This doesn’t mean athletes can’t go all-in later. But early on, diversity builds coordination, resilience, and a healthier relationship with sport.
Supporting the Whole Athlete at APEX PWR
Our sports physical therapy clinic in Tigard, Oregon helps youth athletes not only recover from injury but build smart habits that prevent them.
We work with athletes across Portland, Beaverton, and beyond offering:
- Youth sports physical therapy
- Return-to-sport protocols
- Force plate testing, speed & strength training
- Collaboration with coaches and parents to build sustainable plans
Because it’s not just about today’s game. It’s about lifelong performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it bad if my child loves only one sport?
Not at all — but it’s important to monitor workload and build in rest. Even single-sport athletes can cross-train or take seasonal breaks. They can also play one sport competitively, but try out other sports recreationally.
When should my athlete specialize?
The later, the better. Most professionals didn’t specialize until late adolescence, if ever. Different sports provide different demands athletically, different spaces, speeds, and more. Playing another sport can also help an athlete become even better at their main sport!
What’s the biggest risk with early specialization?
Injury and burnout. Overuse injuries are extremely common in athletes who train year-round without variety.
How can physical therapy help prevent injuries in youth sports?
We offer testing and evaluation to identify imbalances, address mechanics, and build strength specific to each athlete’s sport.
Can APEX PWR help my child transition between sports or seasons?
Yes — we support athletes year-round with PT, performance training, and injury prevention strategies.
Do you only treat injuries, or also offer preventative programs?
Both! Our goal is to keep young athletes on the field — safely and consistently.
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