In boys, the growth spurt begins at 12 or 13, reaches a peak by age 14, and is typically over by the age of 19. Of course, adolescents don't all develop at exactly the same time. Some develop earlier than their peers, and others mature a bit later. Calculate how much you and two other classmates might grow in a year by filling in the chart below. Sports and Spurts Surviving a growth spurt isn't easy.
Limbs can grow at different rates, leaving teens uncoordinated, clumsy, and even weak.
The clumsiness most likely stems from the body's nervous system trying to adjust to the growth of limbs, muscles, and nerve lengths. If young athletes don't stretch before and after playing sports, growth-related pain can occur, particularly in the knees and lower legs. Most teen athletes will experience discomfort in these areas until their bones stop growing. During and immediately after growth spurts, students should avoid training on hard surfaces and monitor the intensity and duration of their workouts. It is also important to stretch regularly and perform low-level strengthening exercises.