When should kids start focusing on one sport?

It’s a question many parents and young athletes face, but getting it wrong can do more harm than good.

Welcome to Oak Performance Radio, the show that helps athletes, coaches, and parents understand what it takes to build strong, durable performers who thrive under pressure. Each episode explores smarter ways to train, recover, and stay in the game for the long haul

Episode Highlights

Adam Lane sits down with Dr. Geoff Van Thiel, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, to talk about the rise of overuse injuries in youth sports and how early specialization affects long-term performance. They discuss how parents and coaches can encourage kids to stay active while reducing burnout and injury risk. Dr. Van Thiel also opens up about his own health habits, including flexibility and nutrition, as well as managing screen time and balancing family time.

Key Takeaways

• Early sport specialization can increase the risk of overuse injuries and burnout.

• Sampling multiple sports helps kids develop better body awareness, coordination, and neuromuscular control.

• Neuromuscular training is key for injury prevention, especially among female athletes.

• Flexibility, diet, and sleep play a crucial role in sustaining long-term physical health.

• Reducing screen time and engaging in family workouts promotes stronger connections and healthier routines.

• Parents should guide and support their kids’ interests without pushing them too early toward a single sport.
  

Episode Chapters

00:00 Intro

02:51 Discussion on Youth Sports and Overuse Injuries

09:11 Parental Challenges and Decision-Making in Youth Sports 

14:53 Balancing Stress and Health in Daily Life

29:55 Youth Performance and Injury Prevention

33:40 The Role of Specialization and Sampling in Sports

36:55 Parental Guidance and Support in Youth Sports

38:45 Balancing Technology and Family Life

If this episode gave you clarity on youth sports specialization, pass it along to a parent, coach, or young athlete who could use it. Conversations like this help create healthier training environments for kids.

Supporting Information

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oakperformancelab

• Instagram: @oakperformance

  
  

Learn more about Dr. Geoffrey Van Thiel’s work and resources on orthopedics and sports medicine:

• www.vanthielmd.com

• Facebook: Dr. Geoffrey Van Thiel

• Instagram: @vanthielmd

  
  

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  Thanks for listening to Oak Performance Radio. Stay active, stay balanced, and keep supporting the next generation of athletes.