Football is a sport that requires endurance. As the game involves contact, the chances of injuries do occur. Safety should be a key component of any youth sports program.
Players and families need to understand the risks involved and weigh them against the benefits. Here’s how you can involve yourself with safe football training methods and techniques to avoid injury:
Safe training:
At all times, the coach must get the message across about fair play at games and practices. Coaches, and athletic trainers if possible must be present at all practices and…
- Insist players follow safe tackling rules
- Limit contact repetitions during these practices
- Do not allow helmet-to-helmet hits
- Insist players use quality gear that’s protective, fits properly and is in good condition.
In order to prevent injury:
- Get a sports physicals prior to the season
- Warm-up and also stretch before games and practice
- Learn the proper techniques – especially about tackling and absorbing the tackles and falling down properly
- Stop training if there’s pain or if you get hurt. Get checked by a coach, doctor, trainer or a nurse before you head back onto the field
- Stay hydrated through the game – especially on those hot and sunny days. Make sure you get enough fluids in, before and after the game
- Have a team plan in case of an emergency
- Mix up your physical training to prevent any overuse injuries.
With these tips in mind, you should be able to improve performance and reduce the risk of injury!