To take a break or not? This is a question so many parents ask themselves as their little hockey or soccer star asks about going to camps with other team-mates to improve their skills in the off season. We (parents and coaches) have created a very competitive sports environment for our children and will therefore do anything in order to give them an edge in their sport.
I have four boys who all played hockey at different levels. My oldest played AA hockey in the GTHL and also played for his high school hockey team which was considered one of the best in Toronto. All my boys grew up in the rink. As soon as they were old enough they wanted to do what their older brother(s) were doing -> play hockey. For years our entire life was focused around their hockey schedules. They loved it and so did I. We made many new friends and had lots of fun at away tournaments, games, banquets etc. But every year spring came and with that came the end of the season. We loved that just as much. While many of their team mates spent their summer in skill improvement camps etc, we went to the cottage – for the whole summer. And they were busy; busy playing, waterskiing, swimming and doing all the things they couldn’t do during the winter. They were very active but in a very different way. When the fall came the boys couldn’t wait to return to the rink. This break never hurt their sports performance, nor did it lessen their interest in their sport – on the contrary.
Angela Ruggiero of the US women’s hockey team and Wayne Gretzky, to name two, have both explained how they always took the extended time off from their #1 sport. They continued to be active playing a variety of other sports. But they got the mental and physical break they needed to be able to return to their sport excited, refreshed and ready to make the required commitment to the upcoming season.
As a mom I saw the benefits of this break. And as a personal trainer with a sports background, I know the physiological benefits to this. Many studies have shown that children who participate regularly in 4-5 sports or more through the year develop into more well-rounded athletes and end up being better at their chosen sport. In contrast overuse injuries are on the rise among young athletes due to the repeated stress of playing a single sport all year.
The University of Michigan conducted a study asking kids 10-12 why they liked playing sports:
1. To have fun.
2. To do something I’m good at.
3. To improve my skills.
4. To stay in shape.
5. To get exercise.
Notice that “winning” is not in the top 5.
So go ahead and sign your soccer player up for judo in the winter; let your hockey player play baseball for the summer; encourage your skier to take up windsurfing in the summer. They will have fun and develop skills and strength that will ultimately help them at their number one sport.
Play safe and have fun!
About the Author:
Elisabeth Kemp is a Fitness, Nutrition and Lifestyle coach, and as the owner of FIT4YOU loves being able to help people find ways to live active and healthy lives. She is also working as a PRO TRAINER delivering certification courses to those who wish to follow in her footsteps and become personal trainers. Her passion for living a life filled with vitality is evident in her 4 boys who are growing up to be very active and healthy young men.
Follow Elisabeth on Twitter or follow her blog at www.elisabethfit4you.wordpress.com
