PART TWO: WHY ARE SOME UNDER-12 YEAR-OLDS GOOD IN SEVERAL SPORTS?

In the second part of this three-part series we explain the affects of playing different ball sports on athletes. The topics covered in these features form an important part of our coaching methods and philosophy at MnM Coaching.

Good in ball sports. Why is that?

Bo Jackson, Lev Yashin, Michael Jordan, Henrik Larsson, Deion Sanders, Kevin Moran, Joe Nieuwendyk, Wilt Chamberlain, Sven Tumba, Allen Iverson etc. What do these athletes have in common? They are all multi-ball sport athletes competing at the highest level in their respective sport.

Not only that, but each one of these super stars have played different sports in their life. According to a number of scientific studies, the best athletes are the ones who have have played different sports.

Of the renowned top athletes, Roger Federer and Neymar Jr have engaged in different sports quite late, so they are proof that versatility is an important part in reaching the top.

Through early specialisation, by focusing on one sport only from an early age, an athlete can reach the top. But the risk of burning out and emerging injuries, which can lead to one-sided athletes, is greater.

Therefore we feel that the engagement in different sports and taking part in versatile training can develop better athletes.

Why is that?

1) Variation in training and new experiences create enjoyment. Learning in a positive environment is more effective.

2) Playing different sports helps athletes develop their fitness and movement abilities, and such developments aid potential high performances in the future.

3) Injuries are more frequent when doing one-sided training. The body and its muscular structure are better balanced when they are trained in a variety of ways.

4) Athletes learn from different coaches through different methods of coaching

And finally; every athlete's ability to handle different situations and to adapt to different roles will be better. Do we want athletes who are: skilful, agile, intelligent, creative, fast, observant, and strong in movement?

I think you know the answer to that question.