By Tyler Kohmetscher
 The study analyzed sport
specialization and if it should be
prevalent in early childhood.

The purpose of this study was to determine if
American youth should participate in one
sport at a younger age (sport specialization),
to further their skill in that sport for later in
life. If so, at what age is ideal?



Frequency of sports play?
Should you specialize?
Reasons for specialization?

Total: 83
 Male-39
 Female-44

Class
 Freshman-14
 Sophomore-29
 Junior-22
 Senior-18
100%
88%
90%
80%
70%
60%
49%
50%
12 and under
13 and older
40%
33%
30%
17%
20%
10%
10%
1%
0%
0%
0%
2%
0%
zero
one
two
three
Amount of Participation Per Week
four

Have you specialized in a sport?
 Yes-84%
 No-16%
If yes, at what
age?
6-8= 13%
9-11= 20%
12-14= 27%
15-17= 33%
18+= 7%


A lot more sports participation after age 13
~85% have specialized
 Influenced by family and love of the sport




~80% played 1 sport in college
Specialize to be successful? 63% NO
No ideal age?
Limitations
 CUNE only
 NAIA vs Division 1
Baker, J., Cobley, S., & Fraser-Thomas, J. (2009). What do we
know about early sport specialization? Not much!. High
Ability Studies, 20(1), 77-89. doi:10.1080/13598130902860507
 Baker, J. (2003). Early Specialization in Youth Sport: a
requirement for adult expertise?. High Ability Studies, 14(1),
85. doi:10.1080/13032000093526
 Intensive Training and Sports Specialization in Young
Athletes. (2000). Pediatrics, 106(1), 154.
 Hecimovich, M. (2004). Sport Specialization in Youth: A
Literature Review. Journal Of Chiropractic, 41(4), 32.
