To better understand
We’re all familiar with the positive impacts of physical activity. However, the benefits of participating in multiple sports activities during adolescence is a less familiar topic. Whether your teen isn’t very active or he or she is very active, it’s a good idea to suggest they participate in a mix of activities.
There are several benefits from participating in multiple sports:
- akes kids more interested in sports and more motivated to be physically active.
- Keeps them from quitting and burning out, which can happen when they participate in just one sport.
- Develops many physical skills that improve their confidence and their abilities through a variety of activities.
- Contributes to the development of various muscles.
- Reduces the risk of injuries and overuse injuries.
- Helps them recover more quickly after being active.
By trying out new sports, it’s more likely that your teen will find activities they love. It’s essential that your teen enjoy an activity to keep them active. Teens who have fun while being active will move more often and reap the benefits of an active lifestyle.
Did you know…
According to data from the Québec Health Survey of High School Students (QHSHSS) 2016-2017, only 37% of teen boys and 24% of teen girls get enough physical activity. A teen must get at least 60 minutes of sustained physical activity a day to maintain good health and fitness.
For parents of young athletes, it’s important to know that the American Medical Society for Sports encourages diversification in sports: “Diversified sports training during early and middle adolescence may be a more effective strategy in ultimately developing elite-level skills. 88 per cent of college athletes come from a multi-sport background.”[1]
To better support
The multi-sport approach does not mean your teen has to practise dozens of activities every year. The goal is to try different activities that interest your teen and that fit with your family’s situation. Here are some tips to help you guide your teen.
Tips and tricks
- Dare to start a conversation: would your teen like to try new sports?
- Look into physical activities available at their school and in your city. Get your teen involved and, instinctively, he or she will look into activities that interest them.
In short
Given the numerous benefits it offers, the multi-sport approach is a smart way to get your teen moving. As a parent, you can encourage your teen to rotate their activities; simply determine the possible options and be open to what your teen proposes. Support their choice to help them reach their full potential.
Practical resources and tools
1. For support:
Are you dealing with a situation that worries you? Ask for help:
2. For more information
3. To practise various sports at a lower cost
4. Notes
[1] Active for life campaign (s.d.). playmore sports.activeforlife.com
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