What actions can I take to encourage physical literacy?
- The question isn’t if children should specialize—but when and how.
- Research, evidence & expert opinions consistently point to later specialization built on a strong physical literacy base.
- Many elite and college athletes follow such a path:
- Ages 0–12: Multiple sports, play‑based learning, skill variety.
- Early teens: Gradual narrowing of focus as interests, strengths emerge.
- Later teens: Intentional specialization with a stronger physical, mental, and emotional base.
Learn more: The Aspen Institute’s Project Play
ADM [American Developmental Model]
A research‑based roadmap created by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee
Provides age‑appropriate guidance for how children should progress in sports
The ADM outlines five stages that emphasize:
- Early play and exploration.
- Later specialization, not earlier.
- Gradual skill development.
- Long‑term participation and performance.
The model aligns directly with Project Play’s This approach aligns with: Project Play’s Sport for All, Play for Life framework.
Sampling vs Sports Specialization
| Sports Sampling | Sports Specialization | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Sports sampling is defined as engaging in multiple sports and recreational activities, with no single sport played exclusively for more than 10 months in a year, particularly before age 12. | Sports specialization involves year-round training in a single sport—typically more than eight months annually—often excluding other activities, before the age of 12. |
| What Evidence Shows | ||
| Motor Skill Development |
Broader motor skill development; Greater ability to transfer skills across sports.
Playing multiple sports creates players who are more physically fit and have better and more diverse gross motor coordination.
|
Repetitive motions lead to physical stress & injury.
Sports specialization leads to repetitive stress being placed on the same body parts, which is especially detrimental for young children, who’s growth plates are still developing.
|
| Future Implications |
Higher likelihood of staying active into adolescence and adulthood.
Children who engage in multiple sports at young ages develop lifelong physical activity habits and skills like time management are also taught.
|
Increased burnout; Greater likelihood of dropping out.
Children who specialize are 1.72 times more likely to stop participating in sports due to lack of enjoyment/interest: hindering physical literacy and access to the benefits of sports. Burnout, as well as increased symptoms of depression and anxiety in adults who dropped out of their sports at young ages are associated with early specialization.
|
The ASPEN Institutes Children Bill of Rights in Sports
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