The Hidden Danger Of Overtraining: Why Balance Matters For Young Athletes
For young athletes, sport is meant to be exciting, challenging, and fulfilling. But when the pressure to train harder, compete more, and constantly improve becomes overwhelming, it can cross a dangerous line—overtraining. While dedication is an essential ingredient for success, too much training without enough rest and enjoyment can lead to burnout, injury, and a loss of passion for the game.
Overtraining and burnout: When too much is too much
Overtraining happens when young athletes push beyond their body’s ability to recover. Instead of getting stronger and more skilled, they experience fatigue, mood swings, declining performance, and even injuries. What starts as enthusiasm can quickly turn into exhaustion, frustration, and in some cases, the decision to quit sport altogether.
Burnout is more than just physical exhaustion. It can impact a child’s mental and emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, irritability, and a loss of confidence. Many young athletes feel trapped by expectations—whether from parents, coaches, or themselves—until they reach a breaking point.
The role of parents and coaches: Creating a healthy balance
Parents and coaches play a crucial role in preventing overtraining and burnout. The challenge is recognising when ‘pushing harder’ is beneficial and when it’s doing more harm than good. Signs to watch for include:
- Constant fatigue and irritability
- Frequent injuries or prolonged muscle soreness
- Loss of interest in training or competition
- Struggles with motivation or self-doubt
- Increased stress or anxiety about performance
While every athlete should work hard and be committed, they also need time to rest, play, and simply enjoy being kids. Encouraging proper recovery—both physically and mentally—ensures long-term success and well-being.
Fun is not optional—it’s essential
Sport should always include an element of fun. When training becomes purely about results, rankings, and external validation, young athletes lose the joy that initially drew them to their sport. Fun isn’t a distraction from progress—it fuels motivation, creativity, and resilience.
Children who enjoy their sport stay in it longer, develop a healthier relationship with competition, and are more likely to push themselves when it truly matters. Coaches and parents should create an environment where mistakes are part of learning, where laughter is encouraged, and where success isn’t measured solely by medals and scores.
Intrinsic motivation: The key to long-term success
Ultimately, motivation has to come from within. External rewards, such as praise, trophies, or pressure to meet expectations, can only drive a young athlete so far. True passion and resilience come from an internal love for the game.
Encouraging intrinsic motivation means:
- Helping athletes set their own goals and take ownership of their journey
- Praising effort, progress, and attitude rather than just results
- Allowing them to explore different sports and activities
- Teaching them to listen to their bodies and prioritise recovery
When young athletes are motivated from within, they are more likely to stay committed, enjoy the process, and handle setbacks with confidence. They learn that success isn’t just about how much they train, but about how much they grow—on and off the field.
Final takeaway: Balance builds champions
More training isn’t always better. Success in sport isn’t just about hard work—it’s about smart work, rest, and enjoyment. Parents and coaches who encourage balance, listen to their athletes, and prioritise long-term development over short-term gains are the ones who build not just great athletes, but happy, resilient individuals who stay in sport for life.
Anoush Davies & the PMU Team
MSc, Certified life and parent coach (PCC, ICF)
MSc, Certified life and parent coach (PCC, ICF)
Please refer to the PMU articles page for more articles. PMU is committed to helping young athletes, parents, and coaches reach their full potential through psychoeducation, articles, training programs and courses.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.