Image of an upset baseball player sitting on the bench

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Are Youth Sports Too Intense?

April 1, 2024

As You Read, Think About: What are some benefits of playing sports?

Courtesy of family

LeShawn Lyle with one of his many basketball trophies

LeShawn Lyle spends just about all his free time playing basketball. The fifth-grader is from Chattanooga, Tennessee. He can often be found on the court copying the moves of his favorite professional players. On weekends, he sometimes travels for hours to compete in tournaments. One website ranks LeShawn as one of the top ten basketball players in the entire country among kids his age.

“I want to go to the NBA,” says LeShawn. “That takes a lot of practice, dedication, and hard work.”

LeShawn is one of countless young athletes in the U.S. who dream of one day going pro. Many kids train and compete year-round in sports such as soccer, baseball, swimming, and tennis.

However, not everyone thinks all that intense competition is a good idea. Some people say it puts too much pressure on kids and takes the fun out of playing sports. They argue that when competing starts to feel like an obligation, kids lose interest.

Are youth sports too intense?

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For many kids, sports can seem like a full-time job that leaves little time for friends and family. And specializing in one sport can prevent athletes from exploring other interests.

“If you focus too much on one sport at a young age, you may miss out on something else you may enjoy,” explains Charles Popkin. He’s a doctor who works with young athletes. He has treated many kids who’ve gotten injuries from using the same muscles over and over.

Another problem for young athletes is burnout. The pressure of competing can lead them to quit a sport altogether. Also, the cost of league fees, equipment, travel, and lessons can really add up.

Many people also worry that kids and their parents are setting unrealistic goals. After all, the chances of playing a sport professionally are slim. For example, by one estimate, only about 1 in 2,600 high school basketball players make it to the pros.

Kids on some travel teams have practice or games seven days a week.

^{Source: Aspen Institute Project Play Fall 2022 Parents Survey}

Many people argue that playing sports is similar to playing piano, chess, or anything else. To be your best, you have to practice. They point out that top athletes like tennis champion Coco Gauff began training seriously at a young age. Many kids know that facing the best competition often requires traveling to tournaments. LeShawn says it has also helped him bond with his teammates.

In addition, a lot of parents say they’d rather see their kids playing sports than spending more time on their phones or playing video games. They say as long as kids are having fun and not being pushed too hard, what’s the harm?

Plus, kids who are serious about sports learn the importance of hard work and determination. That can help them succeed as adults—in sports and beyond.

Coco Gauff

Aaron Gilbert/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

7 years old

Age when she started playing tennis

14 years old

Age at which she turned pro

$22.7 million*

Her earnings in 2023