TeamSnap Logo
Log inFind My Team
  • Solutions
    • For Business
      For Business

      Tools for clubs, leagues, tournament organizers, and associations to run their business

      For Teams
      For Teams

      For coaches, players & fans to stay connected on our top-rated mobile app

      Promo image
      • Overview
      • Program ManagementManage all aspects of your organization
      • SponsorshipAccess our network of opportunities
      • RegistrationPayments, dues, and more
      • TournamentsBuild and manage your events
      • PaymentsA better way to manage payments
      • Website BuilderProfessional & mobile friendly sites
      • SchedulingAutomate games & practices
      • Services & SupportIndustry-leading account support
      • MessagesSimple, reliable communication
      • Get started!Chat with our team right now
  • Pricing
  • Resources
    • Community

      Our mission is to enhance the lives of kids by enabling participation in sport

        Other resources
        • Blog
        • Coaches’ Corner
        • For Business Resources
        • TeamSnap Updates
        • Help Center
        Company
        • About
        • Careers
        • Partners
    • For Brands
      • Build relationships in the moments that matter.

        Convert families into superfans with TeamSnap for brands.

          • OverviewThe #1 way to reach the Chief Household Officer
          • AudienceLearn about our audience and network
          • CapabilitiesExplore our products and measurement solutions
          • Download Media Kit

      Find My Team

      Sign upLog in
      Sign upLog in
      BlogGeneral Sports
      • General Sports
      • Health and Safety
      • Coaching
      • for Business
      • Announcements
      Featured image: How To Encourage Your Child To Play Multiple Sports

      Oct 24, 2016 • 4 min read

      How To Encourage Your Child To Play Multiple Sports

      /images/teamsnap-badge.png
      TeamSnap

      Posted in:
      • General Sports
      • How To
      • Science Research
      • Sports Parents

      There are a bevy of benefits for kids who play multiple sports. These include becoming better overall athletes from engaging in multiple disciplines; learning to be smarter and more creative players; and staying more active and having more fun in athletics. In addition, research shows that the majority of athletes who go on to play college sports come from multi-sport backgrounds.

      multiplesports_webAccording to various studies, the benefits of children playing multiple sports far outweigh the disadvantages. For instance, a study from Ohio State University reported that children who specialize and only play one sport early on are more likely to experience physical inactivity as an adult. Another study from Loyola University found that up to 93 percent of athletes who play just one sport are more likely to be injured than those who play several. Furthermore, data also shows that children who specialize in only one sport are more likely to suffer from burnout and lack of enjoyment with that sport over time.

      As you can see, there are many benefits to being involved in multiple sports. However, what if your child wants to pick just one to focus on? Here’s a look at how to encourage your children to get involved with multiple sports.

      Find Their Passion

      When it comes to playing sports at the youth level, the more the merrier. That’s because the more sports your child has the chance to try, the more opportunities he or she has to discover the sport she’s more passionate about and best at. Then, as children grow older and mature, they can decide to stick with one sport.

      Participate With Them

      masonandcoach_webChildren are impressionable–so if they see you, the parent, passionate about a particular team sport or activity, they’re more likely to try it. Schedule golf lessons with your children, go swimming with them, volunteer to coach a recreational soccer or baseball team, or simply go to the park and shoot hoops with your kids. Not only is this great bonding time, but it can open your child’s eyes to new, fun sporting outlets.

      Avoid the Pressure

      When your child becomes interested in playing more sports, don’t live vicariously through him or her. Sign your child up for novice leagues, not highly competitive travel leagues, and let him or her get a feel for the game and make mistakes while experimenting with the new sport. Then, at the end of the season, if he or she doesn’t like it and doesn’t wish to continue, support that decision and be proud he or she gave it a shot. Take a low-pressure approach and be glad your child is willing to try new activities.

      See What Your Child’s Friends are Doing

      Say Billy down the street has started playing hockey and baseball, but your child only wants to play football. Try using friends’ passions as motivation for your child to try new sports–but be careful not to turn this motivation into a peer pressure situation.

      Take Them to Games

      Chances are, there are college, amateur and/or professional sports teams nearby. Consider taking your child to see a game or two of an unfamiliar sport to pique interest. If your child has fun, chances are he or she will want to give it a try!

      As the studies and facts above indicate, playing a variety of sports at an early age opens a child’s doors to many more benefits than disadvantages. As children becomes more mature and grow into their bodies, they can make the decision on whether or not they wants to continue playing multiple sports or focus their time and energy on one–in the meantime, however, the more the merrier.

      Shana Brenner is the Marketing Director of CoverSports, an American manufacturer of field covers and protectors, padding, and privacy screens.


      Download our app

      app-storegoogle-play

      Share this post


      Create Your Team Today!

      It’s Free and Free is Good!

      Sign Up Your Team!Free and Paid Plans Available
      Products
      Sports Organizations
      • Get a demo
      • Features
      • Pricing
      • Tournaments
      • FAQs
      Coaches or Team Managers
      • Features
      • Pricing
      • Tournaments
      • Get Started
      Parents or Athletes
      • Features
      • Pricing
      • Find My Team
      • Get Started
      Sports
      Sports Organizations
      • Baseball
      • Basketball
      • Football
      • Ice Hockey
      • Lacrosse
      • Soccer
      • Softball
      • Volleyball
      Teams
      • Baseball
      • Basketball
      • Football
      • Ice Hockey
      • Soccer
      • Softball
      • +100s more
      Resources
      • Blog
      • Coaches’ Corner
      • Return To Play
      • For Business Resource Library
      • Skills & Drills
      • Press Releases
      • TeamSnap Updates
      • TeamSnap Help Center
      • Community
      • Why TeamSnap?
      Company
      • About
      • CareersHiring!
      • For Brands
      • Partners
      • TeamSnap API
      • Responsible Disclosure Policy
      • Youth sports team and sports org app Apple App Store Logo
      • Youth sports team and sports org app Google Play Store Logo
      • social-media-facebook
      • social-media-twitter
      • social-pinterest
      • social-instagram
      • social-video-youtube
      • professional-network-linkedin
      • social-tiktok

      TeamSnap Footer Logo

      Copyright © 2005–2025 TeamSnap, Inc.

      • Sitemap
      • Terms
      • Privacy Policy
      • California Privacy Policy
      • Your Privacy Choices