subject: Tips And Tricks To Avoid Sports Injuries [print this page] There is nothing more frustrating than to enjoy playing your favorite sport, no matter whether it's baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, or something else, and then to sustain an injury so bad that it keeps you out of the action for a long time. If you are a serious sports player, getting a sports injury can be extremely frustrating, not to mention depressing. There are, however, some things that you can do in order to avoid sports injuries, so that you can stay in the game and off of the bench as much as possible.
Stay in Shape and Follow the Rules
The first thing that you should always remember to do is to follow the rules! Rules are designed to keep players safe, which is why they should be followed. Those who don't follow the rules of conduct, such as making illegal blocks or illegal tackles, are at much more risk to get injured than those who follow the rules. Always remember to learn all the rules of your chosen sport and follow them appropriately at all times.
Getting into shape is also very important. If you are someone who only plays sports on the weekends, also known as a "weekend warrior," you are at much greater risk for being injured because your body is not in the right physical shape to be able to handle the sport that you're playing. Follow a regular conditioning program that is designed for your sport in order to get into the type of shape that you need to be in to play without getting injured, even if you're only playing on the weekends. Being in good condition can also help you avoid getting other types of injuries as well!
Protective gear was created not to make you look stupid, but to help you to stay healthy. Things like helmets, mouth guards, and protective pads should be worn every time you play. They help to keep many parts of your body safe. Did you know, for instance, that a mouth guard isn't just to protect your teeth, but is actually to help you to keep from getting a concussion? Protective gear is important. Wear it every time you play and you'll greatly lessen your chances of getting a sports injury.
You've probably heard it over and over again, but make sure that you warm up before you play. Warming up helps your body get ready for the exercise that you're going to be asking it to withstand, so make sure that you warm up before every game, and before every workout. The same thing holds true for cooling down as well. Avoid playing when you're really tired or when you're in pain. Many people who get sports injuries get them because they were careless or because they were already in pain. Pain is your body's way of telling you that something's wrong, so listen to it! And always get a good amount of sleep before you play to avoid being careless. Follow rules like these and you'll greatly reduce the likelihood of having any sports-related injuries, and this can keep you playing in the game longer!
