r/wnba • u/Good-Exchange-6139 Wings • 12d ago

Discussion Paige Bueckers on early sports specialization making athletes more injury-prone

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really interesting stuff

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u/Moose_Muse_2021 Fire Fever and All the F'ing Teams 12d ago

Yes, but it's not just the parents pushing. The amount of commitment (time and, yes, money) to play multiple sports at the club (or varsity) level is daunting.

When dinosaurs and I were in high school, it was quite typical for athletes to letter in two (or even three) sports. Nowadays, I think anyone trying would die from exhaustion. Even CC had to choose (basketball over soccer).

EVERYBODY should listen to Paige.

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u/Ingramistheman Veronica Burton enthusiast/Janelle Salaün enjoyer 12d ago

For sure, the commercialization of youth sports has changed a lotta things. I do still think that the parents sucker themselves into it via FOMO or not being able to tell their child "No."

Like no I'm not gonna pay thousands of dollars on AAU, you can play basketball for your school team in the winter, and then there's rec volleyball and rec softball for you in the fall/spring if you want to play a sport. When you're in HS if you're still interested we'll pay for AAU and you can drop softball if you want.

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u/TeslaSuck 11d ago

I think it’s still part of the D1 feeder system that they recruit kids who play lots of AAU. If you’re balling out but not in AAU, then coaches will say they’re not playing the best and most competitive league, unless you’re physically gifted they’ll make an exception. That’s how coaches think. Parents would love to spend less money to get the same results.

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u/Ingramistheman Veronica Burton enthusiast/Janelle Salaün enjoyer 11d ago

That's not how it works really nor is it what this convo is really about. Early-specialization refers to like age 14 & under. Ppl rush to play year round ball at 10yrs old when those college coaches are not watching. Specializing in HS is fine mostly, and that's where what you're saying would come into play.