By: Cortney Welch BS, CSCS
Harder, faster, stronger, more, more, more! This is the common mantra of our current generation of youth athletics. The days of an “off-season” are almost non-existent for some sports, and others schedule way too many games or practices into a short period. This epidemic of burnout is called the silent struggle because the signs are not recognized until it is too late, or many children keep some of these feelings of mental and physical exhaustion to themselves. Kids will often push through mental and physical exhaustion in fear of having to take a break from the sport they love or feeling too pressured to be the “best.” Overtraining and burnout can be avoided and reversed; however, it will take a complete shift in how we view and support our youth throughout their academic and athletic years. This blog will explore the significant and interconnected impacts of overtraining and mental overload on our young individuals. Mental health, physical health, injury rates, and overall performance are all factors that can lead to burnout.
Some parents deny the very thought of burnout, saying things such as, “My kid loves playing soccer, basketball, etc, they have been playing their whole life, they can’t get enough.” There is such a thing, in fact, as too much. Now, whether that is too much volume in training or too much pressure and stress is a very important factor that will coincide with one another. “Burnout is considered a form of exhaustion caused by constantly feeling flooded. It happens when we experience too much mental, emotional, and physical fatigue for too long” (1). Breaks are not a bad thing and are necessary to maintain balance. “The world’s tendency for early specialization especially leads to dangerous consequences when immature children participate in intensive all-year-round training and competition in a single sport.” (2) I have seen the negative impact of early sport specialization in some of my own clients first hand. As a coach and trainer, my general principle is that you must enjoy the sport you are doing; otherwise, the consequences will catch up to you in the long run. Below are some examples of psychological and lifelong consequences of burnout:
“Psychological consequences and mental health issues:
– Increased risk of depression and anxiety disorders
– Lowered self-esteem and self-efficacy
– Development of negative coping mechanisms” (3)
“Lifelong aversion to sports and physical activity:
– Development of negative associations with exercise and competition
– Reduced likelihood of engaging in regular physical activity in adulthood
– Potential long-term health consequences due to sedentary lifestyle” (3)
Some mental signs to look for in your child include irritability, sleep disturbances, a lack of interest in their sport, and increased anxiety. The best way to handle or explore solutions to potential burnout is to have a conversation with your child and meet them where they are at. Perhaps they need to hear that you support them regardless of the circumstances, or maybe they simply require a few days or a week to rest mentally and physically. If burnout is suspected and the signs are more physically related, here are some examples of what to look out for: Unexplained musculoskeletal complaints, weight changes, or a decrease in performance and many more. Solutions include adequate breaks between games and practices, prioritizing nutrition and sleep, seeking professional help if needed, and monitoring overall volume of training.
The lack of diversification and exposure to various sports activities during developmental periods may underlie an increased risk of injuries, hinder motor skill development, lead to psychosocial problems, overtraining syndrome, and a higher likelihood of burnout and potential dropout from sports. “The CDC estimates that inactivity costs the U.S. $117 billion annually in healthcare. Encouraging sports participation isn’t just about creating better athletes; it’s about reducing the societal and financial toll of preventable chronic illnesses.” (4) Ways to manage burnout and maintain a healthy balance are making sure kids are still having fun, getting enough rest, being mindful and knowing when their bodies have had enough, and properly refueling after their games or practices. The table below shows the most common injuries that young athletes develop as a result of overuse in sports. Scary statistics also say that, “70% of kids drop out of their sport by age 13.” (5)
(5)
The “silent struggle” of youth burnout, fueled by relentless overtraining and mental overload, is a critical issue impacting a generation striving to meet escalating demands. As we’ve explored, the pervasive “harder, faster, stronger” mantra often leads to profound consequences, manifesting as increased anxiety, chronic fatigue, a heightened risk of injury, and a significant decline in overall performance, both on the field or court and in the classroom. We should adopt and encourage a system that prioritizes the holistic well-being of young individuals over a win-at-all-costs mentality. By emphasizing adequate rest, encouraging diversified activities, fostering open communication between youth, parents, and coaches, and advocating for robust mental health support, we can empower our youth to navigate their academic and athletic journeys with balance and resilience. Ultimately, nurturing a healthy, well-rounded youth population today will pave the way for a more successful, fulfilling, and sustainable future for them all.
At Momentum Fit, we understand the pressures young athletes face and the toll that constant physical and mental demands can take. Our youth programs are designed to build not just strong, capable athletes, but resilient, well-rounded individuals. Through balanced training, intentional recovery, and a supportive environment, we help young athletes develop a healthy relationship with movement while reducing the risk of burnout. Whether your child is navigating early specialization or just beginning their athletic journey, our experienced coaches are here to support their growth, performance, and well-being, on and off the field. If you’re ready to invest in your child’s long-term success and health, we invite you to explore our youth training options today. Read more about our teen programs here – https://getmomentumfit.com/programs/teen-program/
References
- Burnout in Youth Sports: How to Navigate Mental Exhaustion | AdventHealth for Children
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9517900/#B3-ijerph-19-10662
- Addressing Youth Sports Burnout: Causes & Solutions
- Why Kids Quit Sports and How We Can Stop It
- Overuse Injuries, Overtraining, and Burnout in Young Athletes | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics