Specializing in sports
April 18, 2008 @ 11:32 a.m. by Joannaby joanna
So what do you think — should athletes specialize or play multiple sports?
I know coaches who come from both sides. I’ve met coaches who want their kids playing club ball all year long to prepare them for their sport’s season. I’ve met coaches who insist that their kids play another spot, expanding their horizons or getting them in shape for their sport.
What do you think? I think we’re in an age of specialization and it’s sad. I want to see more two- and three-sport athletes. Take Clint Cornejo at Wichita Collegiate and the story my esteemed colleague wrote on him. This kid takes it to the extreme — he’s playing three sports this spring, plus he played football and basketball this school year.
But I love that. He’s obviously talented and he’s helping out his school. Can you imagine what East’s sprinters would be like with the addition of Bryce and Arthur Brown (who of course graduated early). What about when John Randle was at Southeast, but after football and committing to KU, he didn’t play basketball. That’s sad.
Want another view? How about when Mike Pelfrey played basketball his senior year at Heights? That was cool. He wasn’t the greatest player — although he could get some good rebounds — and those high black socks looked hilarious on his skinny long legs. But he helped that team. He helped that school. And you know what? Pelfrey had fun.
I love that. I’d love to see more kids playing more sports.
So tell me how much you disagree or agree with me. If you think specializing is important, why? Is it because of college scholarships?
April 18th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Much easier to do at a small school like Collegiate. Try doing 3 or 4 sports at a 6A school.
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April 18th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Times have changed for the high school athlete. The days of college coaches coming to a high school basketball game or for that matter, any game other than high school football are long gone. Recruiting is a big business, and college athletics is even bigger. These coaches spend there recruiting time in the places they can witness the most talent as fast as they can. They don’t go looking for the diamond in the rough any longer….they can not afford to do that….they are in a WIN NOW situation. That said, our high school athletes are competing against the rest of the country for the same scholarships. Now be it right or wrong, most of the country has taken to specializing in a sport. I for one am not a fan of kids giving up other sports, until they have an idea what sport they would like to play in college. When and if the athlete can make that decision, then it is time for them to give up any sport that interferes with their chances to get recruited. What I mean by interferes with is this…..if “Bobby” the athlete has a chance to go to a baseball showcase in October, and show his skills to college coaches…..and “Bobby” plays high school basketball…..then he would have to make a choice…..although this is very sad….it is the cold hard facts. What do you do if you’re “Bobby”? Does his high school coach let him miss some practices and maybe even a couple games so he can attend…..or should he stick it out….and miss the recruiting process? Is the high school coach going to pay for “Bobby’s” college tuition if this is a chance he misses….do you think the glory of winning a game in high school out shines that college scholarship? This is a sad subject, but one of reality….focusing in on your skill as a 1 sport athlete…shouldn’t be frowned upon…or looked at as letting your high school down. He should be looked upon with admiration….for the dedication and sacrifices these athletes have to go through to realize their dreams. I can assure you that “Bobby” would like to have played Basketball and also been able to participate in the recruiting tournament….his sacrifice were much bigger than anyone can imagine. Unfortunately, college coaches are looking for the most polished player….the player that can step into their respective programs and help the program….if that kid plays 1 sport or 4 sports….the college coach doesn’t care.
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April 18th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Just read the story.
Not what I expected. He’s playing JV tennis (why is a senior getting a JV spot?) and didn’t do anything at the one track meet he attended.
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April 21st, 2008 at 7:00 am
Well “Bobby” should probably pick a different time to go the showcase camp rather then hang his basketball team out to dry. There are showcase camps in the summer that would be better for him to attend so he is not missing basketball. And there are other ways of getting recruited so its not the end of the world if you misses a camp.
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April 24th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Another,
Maybe “Bobby” shouldn’t play basketball at all. Maybe “Bobby” could just be selfish and work on his baseball skills. Wait, then everyone would say “Bobby” is letting his school down. The way I see it, “Bobby” will get slammed with either decision.
As for the statement “probably pick a different time” Thats easy for you to say…..But what if “Bobby” is a junior or even worse a senior? wait till summer to try and get recruited? I don’t think that would be good advice. If he is a Junior, then this is his year to shine for all the recruiters……even more of a reason to go to the camp or just not play and hone his skills. but again, a no win for the Kid.
As for the “other” ways to be recruited comment, please inform us all on how that happens. Unless it is high school football, most colleges spend their recruiting time at major showcase events….baseball, basketball, softball, volleyball etc….
look forward to your reply
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April 25th, 2008 at 10:58 am
I have yet to talk to a college coach that isn’t in favor of athletes playing multiple sports. They know it rounds them out better athletically and competitively, as well as in different team environments.
Specializing is okay, but it also leads to burnout a heck of a lot quicker. Skills are skills (motor) and agility is added in a variety of ways. Doing the same set of sport specific drills in a specialized way doesn’t necessarily grow you athletically.
Paretns, if you don’t believe me, feel free to contact about 100 coaches in the state, and see what they think. i’ll bet 85% or more say “play many sports”.
The only reason a coach might want a kid to not play other sports is fear of injury outside of their “chosen” sport for college or REAL potential for pro ball. That’s why a kid that is a D1 talent and likely draft choice in baseball might not play football and greatly increase his chance of injury.
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