Newcomer Vinay Shah spends his fall listening to the harmony of cleats digging into the lawn, helmets clattering on the ground and the crowd cheering under the Friday night lights. For most, that’s how it is when the football season comes to an end
does that sound familiar? However, once the winter season begins, Shah packs up his soccer gear and pulls out his basketball gear to prepare for next season on the court.
According to Shah, being a multisport athlete isn’t just about moving from one sport to another, it’s also about doing similar things
Techniques for both sports.
“I think almost all the techniques I use in basketball could be transferred from one sport to another,” Shah said. “The footwork exercises during soccer practice help me stay in shape and maintain my mobility in the off-season.”
According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine, athletes who specialize in multiple sports compete more frequently, have longer athletic careers, and suffer fewer injuries than athletes who specialize in only one sport.
Sophomore Poppy Barclay, who plays both varsity field hockey and lacrosse, said both sports share similar characteristics
Footwork and Rules.
“Field hockey and lacrosse are both racquet sports,” Barclay said. “Although the techniques for using a field hockey stick and a lacrosse stick are vastly different, there are many parallels between the movements you perform on the field that carry over from one sport to another.”
Barclay says both sports improve your coordination skills. She also said that technique is the most important element to master in field hockey and lacrosse.
“You can be a fast runner or a good communicator on the field,” Barclay said. “But if you don’t have the technique, things like stick skills, footwork and evasive maneuvers, you get beat.”
According to athletic trainer Justine Longi, being a multi-sport athlete is beneficial because it keeps athletes in shape at the same time
Reducing the risk of chronic injuries.
“For example, when you play soccer and basketball, you do similar throwing motions,” Longi said. “Because throwing a basketball requires a different movement, technique, and activation of muscle groups, you get the muscles you need
Throw a football, take a break, even if you’re still straining your shoulder.”
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