Multiple Sport Athletes

Elwayfan · 10-29-2007, 04:43 PM

Do kids in High School benefit more or less by playing multiple sports? Your thoughts!!

**Redneck** · 10-29-2007, 08:37 PM

I played 3 sports in high school, was decent at all 3. I never got a chance to lift weights unless it was durin the summer and I wasn't at a camp of some kind. That was my only downfall in playin 3 sports. Even though I was a naturally strong kid, I could have been alot stonger and faster had I had the chance to work on it.

**blitz43** · 10-29-2007, 09:20 PM

I played all 3 sports in HS as well. I only lifted weights during FB season. Playing all 3 kept me really busy. I had to work harder on school work cause I didn't have as much free time. I stilled had to find time to socialize too...lol// I personally wish they would narrow it down to 2, though. Each sport is almost a year-round thing now...If you want to stay competative with all the other schools.

Cope · (This post was last modified: 10-29-2007, 09:33 PM by Cope.)

I played football and baseball, and found plenty of time to lift during basketball and baseball season, although lifting during baseball couldn't be as strenous on game days. I can see where playing three sports would leave you with little time for anything else, mainly because of the more frequent road trips to other places during basketball and baseball/track than in football.
I think it's good to get a break from always having obligations to a team, as long as you keep yourself in shape, and focus on getting it done in the class room.
But I also think that schools should never limit the choices that a student-athlete has. If they want to play every sport in the school, be in the school plays, be on the yearbook staff and clean up the cafeteria after lunch, then let the kids do it.

**FBALL** · 10-29-2007, 09:35 PM

If you can play them all then do it. You're only young once.

Elwayfan · 10-30-2007, 12:47 AM

I think it depends on whether or not you want to play at the next level and what you want to play at the next level. There has to come a time to decide. I do realize that some kids have a competitive nature that makes them play other sports that are probabely hindering them from developing themselves for the sports they are most likely to pursue after high school. Just a thaught.

Possum Bait · 10-30-2007, 01:44 AM

Playing multiple sports is a huge time undertaking these days. It means that for 12 months a year, a kid is REQUIRED to be at some team event. It seems to get worse every year. AAU Basketball, Passing League, Fall Baseball, it really gets to the point of being no fun.

Godspeed · 10-30-2007, 09:45 AM

In my opinion, I do believe playing all three sports benefits you in a good way. Playing football gets you in shape for basketball season, and from the lifting and hitting it makes you tougher and stronger and more aggressive. Def. a plus. Basketball helps you on quickness and coordination for baseball. Now when baseball comes around, your stronger, faster, quicker. After baseball comes the summer, a perfect opportunity to lift weights and keep yourself in good condition.

**Redneck** · 10-30-2007, 09:57 AM

Godspeed Wrote:In my opinion, I do believe playing all three sports benefits you in a good way. Playing football gets you in shape for basketball season, and from the lifting and hitting it makes you tougher and stronger and more aggressive. Def. a plus. Basketball helps you on quickness and coordination for baseball. Now when baseball comes around, your stronger, faster, quicker. After baseball comes the summer, a perfect opportunity to lift weights and keep yourself in good condition.

I agree on most of that post. Yes playin football gets you in shape, but not "basketball shape", lol. Still better than not doin anything for 2-3 months before basketball starts. Personally I loved playin all 3 sports, heck I miss basketball more than any of it. I know some of you who know me personally won't believe that but it's the truth.

**DEVILOLOGIST** · 10-31-2007, 01:02 PM

Granted my son is now 11 but. he plays the following:
baseball season:
little league for Russell/Flatwoods
Travel AABC
Travel USSSA- last year he was 9-10 and played up in both leagues in USSSA-AABC, so he played 9-10 and 10-11.

Football- Russell JFL- 9 games this year last year 14 games with regular season and then grade ball all-stars at the end with them winning the Raceland BlackBowl at the end of the season. (as a grade team they are undefeated in 3 years)

Basketball- he plays Russell inter-league Marvin Merideth Basketball League.. He also plays on a grade team, and played on the 6th grade level in the Gus Macker basketball tourney in Ironton as a 4th grader.

He has been approached to run track and cross country for the Middle School this coming year. 12 second 100 yard dash in high top tennis shoes. Unbeaten in track day for the last 4 years in the 100 and 50 yard dash.

Elwayfan · 10-31-2007, 01:40 PM

DEVILOLOGIST Wrote:Granted my son is now 11 but. he plays the following:
baseball season:
little league for Russell/Flatwoods
Travel AABC
Travel USSSA- last year he was 9-10 and played up in both leagues in USSSA-AABC, so he played 9-10 and 10-11.

Football- Russell JFL- 9 games this year last year 14 games with regular season and then grade ball all-stars at the end with them winning the Raceland BlackBowl at the end of the season. (as a grade team they are undefeated in 3 years)

Basketball- he plays Russell inter-league Marvin Merideth Basketball League.. He also plays on a grade team, and played on the 6th grade level in the Gus Macker basketball tourney in Ironton as a 4th grader.

He has been approached to run track and cross country for the Middle School this coming year. 12 second 100 yard dash in high top tennis shoes. Unbeaten in track day for the last 4 years in the 100 and 50 yard dash.

You obviously know what's best for your kid. Being involved is, in my opinion, the best way to keep kids on the right path. When kids are younger I think it gives them the opportunity to find out what they like and dislike. Some parents push kids harder than others. I believe that your son will benefit in the long run. But as he gets older you should be careful with "burnout."

Elwayfan · 10-31-2007, 01:46 PM

I believe there are only a handful of kids that can play all three sports and still maintain straight A's in school, which every parent should demand.

**DEVILOLOGIST** · 10-31-2007, 04:28 PM

Granted the burnout factor does worry me, thats why he is allowed to play at his choosing. If he wants to try to play something.. I will make every opportunity available to him to learn, grow and enjoy sports. When he wants to take a break he knows that all he has to do is say-I want to set this one out Dad... DONE..

~~If...Then~~ · 10-31-2007, 07:26 PM

multiple sports makes tons of sence. Exercise, works harder in school and better chance of staying off drugs to build a future

**blitz43** · 10-31-2007, 07:32 PM

If...Then Wrote:multiple sports makes tons of sence. Exercise, works harder in school and better chance of staying off drugs to build a future

I agree, "If Then", If not for playing all 3 sports, It's hard to tell what I would have gotten myself into. In southwestern WV, they're lots of trouble to get into. Also, I knew I had to keep my grades up so I could play(3.0 BTW). Each sport kept me in shape for the next one.:p

**phs1986** · 10-31-2007, 07:47 PM

Elwayfan Wrote:I believe there are only a handful of kids that can play all three sports and still maintain straight A's in school, which every parent should demand.

I don't demand it..... although I do expect it. IF my child was unable to maintain straight A's then I woudn't stay on his case......IMO... if he is able to remember 25 plays, to bring home his ballbag, and when and where the next ballgame is then he should be able to remember his homework!!!

Elwayfan · 11-01-2007, 01:50 PM

phs1986 Wrote:I don't demand it..... although I do expect it. IF my child was unable to maintain straight A's then I woudn't stay on his case......IMO... if he is able to remember 25 plays, to bring home his ballbag, and when and where the next ballgame is then he should be able to remember his homework!!!

I think that sports teach kids how to be competitive, which could be one of the most important assets a young man can have. He/She will use it for the rest of their lives.
I do believe only a few kids are able to play 3 sports at the High School level and the ones that want to play sports in college should narrow it down to the 1 or 2 they want to play in college.