Athlete burnout is defined by Sport Psychologists as: physical/emotional exhaustion, sport devaluation, reduced athletic performance and accomplishment”.

Burnout can happen at a very young age. I have personally met many 12-year-olds who show severe signs of burnout. Unfortunately, a number of parents refuse to believe their children are too young to burn out, insisting that what their children require is to be pushed to achieve excellence.

Here are some scientific findings regarding burnout:

• Burnout is caused by an excessive amount of stress or pressure. Constant pressure to win games, train and perform well. There is also parental pressure to ensure that their children always do their best.

• Athletes may feel trapped or entrapped if they have invested significant time and energy into a sport but do not receive any rewards or enjoyment from it. This does not indicate a dislike for the sport, but rather a desire to reduce their involvement.

•  Sociologist and sports Competitive youth sports can shape participants’ identities and lives, leading to feelings of disempowerment, according to psychologists.  In other words, the sport season shapes who you are and how you live your life. Consider practice times, games, tournaments, showcases, personal life, road trips, and even your budget. Everything is done around the sport.

Physical signs of burnout:

Tension, depression, fatigue, irritability, low energy, difficulty sleeping, increased occurrence of illness, and frequent signs of exhaustion. Feelings of disappointment and insignificance in their contribution to the team.

Inconsistent performance is a powerful indicator!

My final thoughts:

Today, every athlete strives for their ultimate goal, which may be to play for a college, professional, or national team. However, if you can enjoy training hard and playing the game while pursuing your dream, you are on your way.

Some young athletes struggle during games, appearing stressed and losing focus. Parents and fans may need to remind them to perform certain moves, which could indicate burnout.

To address this issue, consider making small adjustments such as joining a less competitive league or taking a break.  

Understanding the signs of burnout is crucial, as children may occasionally lie to please adults when asked if they had fun. However, this will eventually backfire. These issues must be identified and addressed before beginning college or even a professional career. Otherwise, you will face more serious psychological problems in the future.