Dick Groat: Weight Training & Specialization Are Hurting Youth Athletes
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) – "The Fan Morning Show" was honored to have former Pirates MPV shortstop, Pitt basketball radio commentator, Duke basketball alumnus, and Pittsburgh sports legend Dick Groat stop by on Tuesday.
Groat offered his exceptional wisdom on a number of topics, but there was one that will be of particular interest to any parents or athletes out there.
Groat, an outstanding multi-sport athlete in his time, was critical of the focus that young athletes and the adults in their lives put on specialization in this day and age. He said that he "completely disagrees" with focusing only on one sport, and encouraged any youth athletes doing so to reconsider the decision.
"Play every sport," Groat said. "You don't know which one, when you're that small…which one you're going to be a better athlete at."
Football is the culprit, according to Groat, because it has created a focus on training that he says he never needed as a basketball and baseball player.
"I think football coaches have caused this, because they want kids in the weight room year-round," Groat said. "I never touched a weight in my life, nor would I ever, because we were always afraid it would foul up your jump shot…and I wouldn't now if I had to do it over again."
Groat wonders if the emphasis on strength has led to basketball players sustaining more injuries due to overexerting their bodies.
"I'm not sure it's good," Groat said. "I know you want strength on the basketball, but I think you have more injuries now than you've ever had before. I went through four years of college basketball - I never saw anybody with the type of injuries kids have now, and I'm not sure some of it hasn't come from overexercising in the weight room. Football, that's a little different story - you'd better be big and strong."
Groat implored youth athletes to give another sport a try, or a second try.
"I feel sorry for a youngster that doesn't have the opportunity to play more than one sport, especially when you're young," Groat said. "I mean, maybe when you become a sophomore or junior in high school, you can make a choice, but they're playing Little League, and Pony League, and playing the same in basketball and football. Play all sports. Find out what it's all about."
The interview can be heard here:
