As an athletic trainer, I believe in global long term athletic development which means that adolescents should embark on a general overall athletic development program that works the entire mind and body including goal setting, strength, mobility, flexibility as well as conditioning, power, speed, agility and sport specific movements.  Participating in one sport all year round may improve some of their skills at that sport (very dependent on the coach they are working with) but may also limit their overall athletic development as well as increase the risk of overuse injuries.  I strive to provide a program that incorporates all of these factors as well reminding the students to enjoy a varied sports participation so that they can also grow socially and emotionally. 

 

Resources for parents/coaches and students with regard to safe participation in sports:

 

 

A good article from Sports Illustrated on Tommy John Surgery in youth baseball players click on the links:

 

Pitching app:   http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/11002986/dr-james-andrews-app-aiming-limit-tommy-john-surgeries