Many kids grow up playing multiple sports, especially if they are born into an athletic family. From a young age, they are exposed to a variety of sports and levels of athletics. Some families do encourage one main sport, but others will allow their kids to try different ones to figure out what their child prefers best. Playing multiple sports is great in developing motor coordination and skills in young children. Therefore, it is important that as an athlete grows and participates in multiple sports, they have the proper training to accompany their athletic goals.
Many athletes that come into our facility at Compete have grown up playing multiple sports, or currently play multiple sports. Therefore, it is important to realize that these kids have even more physical demands put on them, especially if they play sports for their school and clubs. Often times these seasons overlap, which can put extra stress on these athletes. This means that their strength coaches and trainers need to be in frequent communication with them.
The training of multi-sport athletes should include improving on the strengths that are demanded by each of their sports. For example, if an athlete plays both high school soccer and club lacrosse, their trainer/strength coaches need to include exercises that focus on single-leg strength, core stability, upper body strength, speed, etc. This is an essential aspect of modern-day athletics that trainers/coaches need to be aware of when training their young athletes in order to help them succeed in all of their athletic endeavors.
Taylor Rowden is a Strength Coach at Compete Sports Performance and Rehab in Lake Forest, California. Taylor graduated from the Master’s University with a degree in Kiniesiology with an emphasis on sports injury and exercise science. She was also a member of the Women’s Soccer Team.