%0 Journal Article %T Early Specialization or Early Athletic Competencies? Literature Update and Methodological Considerations %A Italo Sannicandro %A Francesca DĄŻElia %J Advances in Physical Education %P 349-360 %@ 2164-0408 %D 2022 %I Scientific Research Publishing %R 10.4236/ape.2022.124026 %X The early sport specialization is characterized as intensive year-round training and/or competition, involving participation in a single sport that typically begins in the prepubertal years. In recent years, most of the major national societies and international sports and athletic associations, federations, and organizations have released position statements advising against the practice of early specialization amongst youth sports. Youth sports training must necessarily take into account the cultural and social factors of each country. Over the last decades, several development models have been structured, integrated, and implemented, predominantly focusing upon the idea of the sporting talent model and framework. The practitioners emphasised the importance of variety and participation in a large range of sports and activities. This was identified as fundamental and a key aspect of long-term athletic development for developing well-rounded