There appears to be increasing numbers of children who specialize in a single sport at an early age. The lure of a college scholarship or a professional career can motivate young athletes to commit to specialized training regimens at an early age. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding specializing in one sport before puberty.

    Once puberty begins, both boys and girls go through their adolescent growth spurt (AGS). The change and the age at which they occur can have an impact on a child's sports performance. Going through this can have a significant impact on athletic performance in both positive and negative ways. Increases in body size, hormones, and muscle strength can improve athletic performance. Nevertheless, there may be a temporary decline in balance skills and body control during the AGS. Quick increases in height and weight  affect the body's center of gravity. Sometimes, the brain needs to adjust to this higher observation point. As a result, a teen may seem a little clumsy.

    This phase is especially noticeable in sports that require good balance and body control (e.g. figure skating, diving, gymnastics, basketball). In addition, longer arms and legs can affect throwing any type of ball, hitting with a bat, catching with a glove, or swimming and jumping. Coaches that are aware of the AGS can help reduce athletic awkwardness by incorporating specific aspects of training into practice sessions.

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