Softball Training - Beware of Specialization

Another sports specialization article?  I know what you're thinking.  Everyone is talking about the issue of specializing at a young age nowadays.  However, most of the discussion is focused on specializing in one sport too early.  Many experts agree that training for softball all year every year from a very young age can lead to overuse injuries.  I have to admit, I'm not an expert on this at all, though I tend to agree with that thought.

So if I'm not an expert on this, why am I writing about specialization? Because I'm not talking about "sport" specialization.  I'm referring to position specialization. From time to time I see coaches and/or parents who want to stick young athletes into ONE position, and one position only, at an early age (i.e. 10U).  Personally, I don't think this is a good idea.  These coaches and parents tend to feel that players either 1) should focus on just one thing or 2) just aren't cut out for other positions.  Therefore, they have their players or their child just stick to learning and training in one position.

Unfortunately for the players, this can work against them! For one thing, not all players (okay, maybe NO players) are fully developed physically and mentally at the age off 9 or 10, or even 12 or 13 for that matter.  Even if a player at this age is not quite ready to play infield and their primary position IS outfield, I don't believe that means they shouldn't:

• practice fielding grounders
• learn how to quicker, shorter throws
• get used to receiving shorter throws
• learn how to tag runners
• learn the responsibilities/coverages of infield positions
• etc, etc, etc

Similarly, even if a player is a "good" player at this age and IS qualified for infield play, I do not believe they shouldn't:

• practice tracking and catching fly balls
• learn outfield coverages
• learn how to use  a cut
• learn how to make longer throws
• learn the responsibilities of another infield position
• etc, etc, etc

All of these skills are important for any young player to learn regardless of what their primary position may be at a young age.  As they get older and develop more and/or face tougher competition, they may not play the same position they played as a 10 year old.  Having a basic understanding and some fundamental training in other positions will be an asset to them should their coach at a higher level need them in another position.  Denying players the opportunity to learn basic skills of different positions is unfair to them.  As youth softball coaches, we should be doing our best to improve our players, not only for today, but for their future as well.

What do you think? Have you seen this happen before?

How will you use this information to the fullest?