7 Ways To Avoid Injuries In Spring Sports
Winter may be here, but spring is just around the corner.
As the air warms up and the sun starts peeking through, spring sports ramps up across the country. Lacrosse, soccer, baseball, softball, tennis and track and field, it’s time for athletes to play in the sun. As our enthusiasm grows, so does the new risk of injuries. While some injuries are inevitable there are a few preventative tips that can reduce an athlete getting sidelined.
Follow these seven tips for sports injury prevention this spring:
- Include a proper warm up. A warmup will prepare your body by raising the heart rate, warming the muscles and connective tissue, improving your mobility and improving the functionality of all the body’s movement. Players will be far less likely to suffer a muscle or tendon strain because muscles will be loose, warm, pliable and ready for hard work.
- Get plenty of sleep. The most undervalued component of a training program, rest is essential to allow a player’s body to recover. Rest helps repair microscopic damage to the muscles and associated tissues that occur during exercise. If players neglect rest it will result in a weakened body that is more susceptible to injury or illness.
- Practice proper technique. Coaches should be able to advise and provide expert guidance so that players learn the correct training protocols at the outset. Time spent at this stage will reap long-term rewards in the form of improved performance and no training downtime due to injuries.
Our Athlete Intelligence System helps improve athlete performance by measuring impacts that suggest improper technique. Learn more by scheduling a demo to see how impact data translates to coachable moments that improve technique.
- Have proper equipment. From helmets to shoes to mouth guards, make sure players have the proper equipment for their sports. Check all the gear for proper fit and any wear and tear. Replace any equipment that doesn’t fit properly or has been overused as it may increase a player’s risk of injury.
- Follow the rules. The rules are designed, in part, to keep things safe. This is extremely important for anyone who participates in a contact sport. You need to learn them and to play by the rules of conduct. Respect the rules on illegal procedures and insist on enforcement by referees, umpires and judges.
- Stay hydrated. Drinking water helps transport nutrients to give you energy and keep you healthy. If you’re not properly hydrated, your body can’t perform at its highest level. You may experience fatigue, muscle cramps, dizziness, or more serious symptoms. To avoid injuries due to dehydration, drink plenty of water.
- Listen to your body. If players are tired, feeling ill, or something is hurting, encourage them to pay attention to their bodies to prevent a more serious problem from developing.
But most importantly don’t forget to have fun. MOMsTeam has a great article on how “Having Fun is More Important Than Winning for Most Kids.” Physical exercise is good for mind, body and spirit and team sports are great for learning accountability, dedication and leadership.
Put all that together, with a focus on preventing injuries, and you have a winning combination.
