Raising Young Athletes Right | Steve Magness and Ryan Holiday
Feb 15, 2025
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Steve Magness, a world-renowned performance expert and author, joins Ryan to discuss the pitfalls of the American sports system, particularly concerning youth athletes. They explore why many kids burn out and how parental pressure can exacerbate the problem. The conversation shifts to Norway’s successful approach, emphasizing participation and joy over competition. Magness also highlights the importance of positivity in achieving athletic success and advocates for parents to support their children’s passions, fostering intrinsic motivation for lifelong love of sports.
Early specialization in youth sports often leads to burnout, while a focus on enjoyment and skill development fosters lifelong participation.
Parents should support their children's athletic journey by promoting autonomy and celebrating efforts rather than imposing pressure for performance.
Deep dives
The Dangers of Early Specialization in Sports
Early specialization in youth sports can lead to burnout and a loss of intrinsic motivation in children. The American sports model emphasizes achievement and competition, often driving kids away from sports by the age of twelve due to pressure and stress. In contrast, countries like Norway adopt a more relaxed approach, focusing on fun and skill development without the pressure of keeping score. This system fosters a love for sports, encouraging participation and exploration rather than a narrow path to elite performance.
Balancing Support and Independence as a Parent
Parents play a crucial role in nurturing their children's athletic pursuits, but it is vital to provide support without exerting undue pressure. Allowing kids to learn from their mistakes and explore their interests facilitates their growth and engagement with the sport. Parents who excessively scrutinize their child's performance or live vicariously through them risk draining the joy from the activity. Instead, supporting children's autonomy and celebrating their efforts leads to a healthier relationship with sports and promotes long-term enjoyment.
The Importance of Intrinsic Motivation
Cultivating intrinsic motivation in young athletes is essential for their long-term success and happiness. Extrinsic motivators, such as parental pressure or rewards, can often backfire and lead to disinterest or resentment towards sports. It is crucial for children to find joy in their activities and engage in sports at their own pace. By focusing on fostering a genuine love for the sport instead of an obsession with outcomes, parents can help ensure their children remain engaged and fulfilled throughout their athletic journey.
Performance coach and expert Steve Magness joins Ryan for a deep dive into the flaws of the American sports system and what we can learn from Norway’s successful youth sports culture. Steve breaks down why kids burn out, how parents accidentally make things worse, and what actually helps kids stay motivated and love sports for life.
Steve Magness is a world-renowned expert on performance and author of Win the Inside Game: How to Move from Surviving to Thriving, and Free Yourself Up to Perform. His writing has appeared in Forbes, Sports Illustrated, Men’s Health, and a variety of other outlets. Steve’s expertise on elite sport and performance has been featured in The New Yorker, Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and ESPN The Magazine.