The commercialization of youth sports has created a system where specialization, private coaching, and year-round competition are not only normalized but often expected. This "new normal" can burn kids out before they even hit high school, leaving them disconnected from the joy of the game.
Back in the day, like you mentioned, it was about developing fundamentals and love for the sport organically—shooting hoops on the driveway, playing catch with your dad, and learning the value of competition in small, manageable doses. That slower, more balanced progression allowed kids to develop passion and resilience without the pressure of being on a club team or attending endless tournaments.
Now, with the youth sports industry being a multi-billion-dollar machine, it feels like the focus has shifted from long-term development and enjoyment to immediate results and profit. It’s not surprising that so many kids burn out, quit, or feel like they’re not good enough by the time they reach high school because the system often doesn’t prioritize the 99% who just want to play for fun or personal growth.
The irony is that the over-saturation of games, training, and tournaments doesn't guarantee success. Like you said, your path to NAIA basketball—built on passion, hard work, and a love for the game—would be almost unrecognizable today. It’s a shame, too, because that journey taught so much more than just how to win a game; it taught life lessons about grit, independence, and balance, things we’re at risk of losing in this era of over-scheduled, hyper-competitive youth sports.
