Youth sports

Sports injuries

More young people these days are playing sports at a higher competitive level and not cross-training, which is leading to more injuries.

Youth Sports Game of the Week

The crowd cheers on the swimmers Special Olympics of Arizona - State Aquatics Competition, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012 in Surprise.[Greg Herriman/ Special to Tribune]

Youth Sports Game of the Week

Athletes are shown on the medal stand after racing during the Special Olympics of Arizona - State Aquatics Competition, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012 in Surprise.[Greg Herriman/ Special to Tribune]

Youth Sports Game of the Week

Heather Honea swims the freestyle during the Special Olympics of Arizona - State Aquatics Competition, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012 in Surprise.[Greg Herriman/ Special to Tribune]

Youth Sports Game of the Week

Jackie Seeger swims the butterfly during the Special Olympics of Arizona - State Aquatics Competition, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012 in Surprise.[Greg Herriman/ Special to Tribune]

Youth Sports Game of the Week

Chandler Special Olympian Alex Hayes swims the freestyle during the Special Olympics of Arizona - State Aquatics Competition, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012 in Surprise.[Greg Herriman/ Special to Tribune]

Youth Sports Game of the Week

Athletes share a moment by shaking hands before the start of a relay race during the Special Olympics of Arizona - State Aquatics Competition, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012 in Surprise.[Greg Herriman/ Special to Tribune]

Youth Sports Game of the Week

Special Olympics of Arizona - State Aquatics Competition, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012 in Surprise.[Greg Herriman/ Special to Tribune]

Youth Sports Game of the Week

Special Olympics of Arizona - State Aquatics Competition, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012 in Surprise.[Greg Herriman/ Special to Tribune]

Youth Sports Game of the Week

Special Olympics of Arizona - State Aquatics Competition, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012 in Surprise.[Greg Herriman/ Special to Tribune]

Youth Sports Game of the Week

US Army Specialist Jaime Reeves volunteers during the Special Olympics of Arizona - State Aquatics Competition, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012 in Surprise.[Greg Herriman/ Special to Tribune]

Youth Sports Game of the Week

Steven Beitel waits his turn for the freestyle relay race during the Special Olympics of Arizona - State Aquatics Competition, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012 in Surprise.[Greg Herriman/ Special to Tribune]

Youth Sports Game of the Week

Tim Manrin swims the breast stroke during the Special Olympics of Arizona - State Aquatics Competition, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012 in Surprise.[Greg Herriman/ Special to Tribune]

Youth Sports Game of the Week

Volunteers from the Capital Group are shown before helping athletes prepare for their races during the Special Olympics of Arizona - State Aquatics Competition, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012 in Surprise.[Greg Herriman/ Special to Tribune]

Youth Sports Game of the Week

Alexa Herriman starts the back stroke during the Special Olympics of Arizona - State Aquatics Competition, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012 in Surprise.[Greg Herriman/ Special to Tribune]

Youth Sports Game of the Week

Coach Ricky Herriman helps an athlete at the finish of the race Special Olympics of Arizona - State Aquatics Competition, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012 in Surprise.[Greg Herriman/ Special to Tribune]

Youth Sports Game of the Week

Steven Kosillo swims the breast stroke during the Special Olympics of Arizona - State Aquatics Competition, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012 in Surprise.[Greg Herriman/ Special to Tribune]

Youth Sports Game of the Week

Richie Tractel swims the backstroke during the Special Olympics of Arizona - State Aquatics Competition, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012 in Surprise.[Greg Herriman/ Special to Tribune]

Youth Sports Game of the Week

Tanner Corey swims the freestyle Special Olympics of Arizona - State Aquatics Competition, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012 in Surprise.[Greg Herriman/ Special to Tribune]

Youth Sports Game of the Week

Fans enjoy the competition during the Special Olympics of Arizona - State Aquatics Competition, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012 in Surprise.[Greg Herriman/ Special to Tribune]

Youth Sports Game of the Week

Youth Sports Game of the Week: Gilbert Youth Football League's (9-11 year-olds) Saints and Titans play their game at Discovery Park in Gilbert, Friday, Oct. 12, 2012. [Tim Hacker/Tribune]

Youth Sports Game of the Week

Youth Sports Game of the Week: Gilbert Youth Football League's (9-11 year-olds) Saints and Titans play their game at Discovery Park in Gilbert, Friday, Oct. 12, 2012. [Tim Hacker/Tribune]