Vol. 7, Issue 4, Part F (2021)

Abstract
Participating in youth sports is essential for promoting social, psychological, and physical growth. Early specialization and multisport involvement are hot topics in this field, with consequences for psychological health, injury prevention, and athletic development. Early specialization, which emphasizes rigorous training for a particular sport, can improve skills temporarily but frequently results in burnout, overuse injuries, and restricted flexibility. On the other hand, playing multiple sports encourages the development of a variety of motor skills, lowers the danger of injury, and fosters overall development, including psychological fortitude and a lifetime interest in sports. The study compares these methods by examining the body of research on their impacts using the PRISMA criteria and the PICO framework. The results show that early specialization harms long-term athletic development and general well-being, even though it may speed up immediate success. Participating in multiple sports promotes physical literacy. Recommendations emphasize the importance of age-appropriate, diversified training regimens to balance performance goals with sustainable growth. Future research should explore longitudinal impacts, sport-specific nuances, and sociocultural influences to better inform evidence-based practices in youth sports. This review underscores the need for balanced approaches that prioritize both competitive success and the holistic development of young athletes.