How to Prevent Common Sports Injuries

To an athlete, especially in a fast-paced game like netball a sports injury can be a debilitating nuisance that puts you out of commission for weeks, months or even years. Sports injuries can happen at any time, and although some injuries are through no fault of the athlete's, many injuries can be attributed to poor preparation before a game or other physical activity. Careful methods of prevention are key. Your body needs to be prepared for the strain it will be undertaking. Here's a few tips to help you prevent sports injuries:

Warm up and stretch

The netball warmup and stretch are the single most important steps to take before your perform any sport. Warming up may involve a few laps around the court or riding a bike to training or the game itself. Regardless of what you choose, a low-intensity, full body workout is essential to get blood flowing through your body and raise your adrenaline levels.

After warming up it is imperative t.hat you stretch your muscles. Focus particularly on the muscles you will use the most. Just as runners need to stretch their legs muscles after a warm up, a netball player needs to think about what muscle groups they're going to be using. Working down from your neck muscles, through your abdomen and into your arms and legs, ensuring your body is limber will allow you to perform at the top of your game without risk of pulling a muscle or putting your back out. You will feel more energised, too.

Proper equipment and clothing

Sports are fast-paced and accidents are always going to be a potential problem. Knowing that the equipment that you're using is up to standard is important. Courts and fields need to be maintained to a high, consistent level. Any equipment or sports uniforms should be kept in excellent working order. A single stray shoelace could spell disaster for an unsuspecting athlete, as could improper shoes and restricting clothing. Make sure you're comfortable and safe in what you're wearing and where you're playing.

First Aid

Having a dedicated first aid kit for your team is a must. If someone pulls a muscle or cuts themselves, immediate medical help, even of the most basic kind, can mean the difference between a quick recovery and a lengthy one. Ice packs should be kept on hand especially for all injuries as the quick application of cold pressure relieves swelling that can lead to further complications.

Warm down

After a high intensity game or workout, your body can't suddenly stop. It needs to change gears slowly and the best way to do this is by some quick light exercise. Even something as simple as a walk or a slow jog around the court will be beneficial to your recovery.

Remember that, whether netball practice or netball game, when playing sports your body is working on full power, you have adrenalin, endorphins and your team members amping you up and without proper forethought an injury may not show itself until the next day. Prepare your body for the exertion and you'll be all the better for it.


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