To begin with, there are some health-related benefits that go along with intense athletic conditioning. For example in the article, Sport Conditioning for Children and Youth it is mentioned that intense conditioning helps with growth. Depending on “athlete’s needs, coaches must consider their developmental age and post-puberty phase.” (Twist, Hutton, 6) As you can see, coaches must be willing to take their time and come up with a personal game plan for …show more content…
For example, whenever an adolescent athlete sees professional athletes on media they see them at “heroic levels …The media’s representation may confuse young athletes by creating unrealistic expectations.” (The Young Athlete Article) The constant pressure to be the best and become professional takes away the concept of having fun in sports. Not only is it peer pressure but social forces as well. Coaches and parents constantly have the word “win” on their mind. This is drilled in to the adolescent athlete’s minds as well. They are pushed to the edge of oblivion leading to dire decisions later in life. For example, in the video about Todd Marinovich he had overbearing parents who made him practice every day with practically no breaks. He missed out on being a child, missing birthdays, parties .and just experiencing a childhood period. He was on a strict health diet through his whole life. Everything was pretty much planned for him since his birth. He eventually turned to drugs which made him lose out on his NFL scholarship. With everyone having these expectations he turned to something he thought would help him cope with it all. It is important to let someone know that you’re tired or you need a break. Continuing to play a sport through pain can lead to damage to the body, that could eventually to even permanent damage. Adolescent athletes should adhere to their body’s …show more content…
I wonder why adolescent athletes choose not to speak up when they’re in pain. Is it because they’re unaware of the harm they are causing their body? Don’t they know not all athletes become professional? Out of a team of twenty, usually one or two athletes are offered a scholarship. Everyone can’t make it, but it doesn’t mean adolescent athletes should give up on sports. It’s about the principle of it all and having fun and gaining