Warm Up and Shape Up
Stretching is an integral part of an injury-free season, so find a great stretching routine and stick to it religiously. Aside from trying, it is essential to have a strength-training program. High School football coaches start to pressure kids to get in the weight room every year. A more extensive, muscular kid gives the team a winning advantage, but coaches want their players in the weight room to help prevent injuries. This is backed by science as well. According to the University of Florida studies, players who follow a controlled strength-training program are less likely to get injured while playing football.Know The Game
Knowledge is power. If you understand the play called and your responsibilities, you are less likely to take a blindside hit and leave yourself open to injuries.Understanding the playbook is key to knowing what your team is doing on the field, so do not be afraid to ask for help. Football is a complex game, and it is not easy to learn, so ask your coaches any questions. If you feel uncomfortable asking coaches, find some knowledgeable teammates and ask them. The internet is another excellent source of information.
Only Play When Healthy
Never play through extreme pain or sickness. The pain is there to tell you something is wrong, and you should listen. The word "extreme" is used because football is not a walk in the park. Throughout the season, a player will have plenty of pain and discomfort, but there is a difference between being hurt and injured. Never attempt to play when injured.Be Alert
There are plenty of hours in the day to think about cheerleaders, homework, parties, or whatever else is going on in that head, but now is game time! Keep your head in the game at all times. Knowing your surroundings and duties will keep a safe player on the field.Wear Protective Gear
Proper gear is essential for walking off the football field in the same health condition you began the game. The right equipment consists of helmets, mouth guards, football cleats, and pads (shoulder, thigh, tailbone, hip, and rib). Only some protective gear is universal too. Players should always wear equipment that fits.For example, a mouthguard may need to be different for different plays. Mostly, all you need is a "boil-and-bite" guard, but some players have braces. Another difference is some players, such as the quarterback, need to communicate better than others, and others may want to protect their lips and have a more massive guard.
Another piece of protective gear that can be personalised is football cleats. Cleats are shoes with plastic or metal spikes that football players wear to gain traction on the field. Football cleats are another piece of the necessary equipment to have while playing.
Cleats can be a way for the player to stand out as an individual on their team. There are many styles, cleat types, and materials to choose from. Figure out what kinds of fields you will be playing on and select a cleat to go with it.
Take A Break
Rest and recovery are not a weakness but actually a strength. Our bodies need time off for rest. Taking a break not only recovers your body but also strengthens it. Not all damage is done physically, either. Giving your body rest is also good for your mind.According to the article "The Importance of Rest and Recovery for Athletes", sleep is a massive part of the athlete's recovery process. Sleep is also a significant contributing factor for any athlete, but more so for a football player. Athletes who do not get enough sleep may lose endurance and possibly even a change in hormone levels, leading to higher stress and less human growth hormones (HGH), which helps tissue repair.
Drink Plenty of Fluids
Football season begins at the hottest time of the year. Coaches want to push their players towards success, but sometimes they must be more complex. Be hydrated before, during, and after football practices and games. Heat-related illnesses are preventable but still rising, especially around July and August. Symptoms of Heat Illness include Chills, cramps, headaches, dizziness, dry mouth and dark-coloured urine.Hydration should begin before you even start. Drinking 16 ounces of water is recommended one hour before training, practice, or a game. Continue with 4-8 ounces of fluid every 15-20 minutes as long as play continues.
Use Proper Technique
When football is played right, it is actually a very controlled environment. The game is relatively safe when players use the techniques and habits developed in practice. One of the most necessary procedures is how to properly tackle. While it may look like the defensive players recklessly throw their bodies toward offensive players, proper technique is crucial on both sides to prevent injuries. Good tackling is now called "heads-up" tackling. In other words, never lower your head, but hit shoulder pads first and then wrap up with your arms.
Safety is No Accident
Football is a game of complete contact between two opposing teams. Between the force applied by the defence and the resistance given by the offence, it is easy to see how many injuries are on the football field. It will never be a game without injuries, but by following these eight steps, players and coaches will prevent many injuries.Proactive and preventative may save life or prevent a reoccurring injury later in life.
