Playing more than one sport

[Al Woods]

Question: Does it make sense for a high school athlete to play more than one sport in high school? I ask this because with the way recruiting is these days, many high school kids play many other sports and could run the risk of getting hurt or burned out playing all the time. Should a high school ball player just focus on just one sport? What do you think?

[Kevin Anderson]

I don't think putting all your eggs in one basket is healthy. The athlete is limiting their experiences. I am thinking at the younger ages in particular. Overuse injuries can also impact performance.
A good athlete can excel at other sports. Many times I see a player all conference in more than one sport.
At smaller schools that player could be a huge difference maker in the success of the team.
I also think it is important to stay mentally fresh. If you are doing the same thing over and over a player could get stale or burn out.
When I was coaching a good athlete in high school and that player was asked what is his favorite sport he would respond with whatever sport was in season.