

125. Dr. Mark Kovacs: What You Need To Know About Physical Development in Youth Sports
Jul 19, 2025
Join Dr. Mark Kovacs, a renowned sports science expert and founder of the Kovacs Institute, as he shares crucial insights on youth sports physical development. He discusses the risks of overtraining during growth spurts and the impacts of Vitamin D deficiency on athletes. The conversation highlights the critical need for regular bloodwork to optimize performance and addresses the differences in development between boys and girls. Additionally, Dr. Kovacs explores sport specialization and debates which sports require the highest level of athleticism. Tune in for essential advice on maximizing youth athletic potential!
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Monitor Growth To Prevent Injuries
- Track your child's height monthly to identify their peak growth velocity.
- Reduce training volume by 30-50% when rapid growth causes joint pain to avoid injuries.
Check Vitamin D and Iron Levels
- Check young female athletes annually for vitamin D and iron deficiencies.
- Address deficiencies to reduce injury risk and fatigue during growth spurts.
Annual Performance Blood Work
- Perform yearly blood work focusing on vitamin D, calcium, iron, and inflammation markers.
- Use these tests to optimize performance and reduce injury risk in young athletes.