Children’s bodies can hold up against the wear and tear from sports exceptionally well. However, they’re not invincible, which is why youth sports injury prevention is essential. You don’t want your child to spend the rest of the season on the sidelines, so adopt the practices below to keep them healthy.

Injury Prevention Tips for Youth Athletes

1. Stretch

Stretching is a crucial and often overlooked aspect of injury prevention. Your child’s joints and muscles need to warm up before intense physical activity. Transitioning too quickly makes muscles more susceptible to strains, and rapidly jumping, sprinting, and changing directions can damage joints.

Encourage your child to stretch for at least 15 minutes before their game or practice. Focus on all the major muscle groups, and then have them jog around the basketball court to warm up thoroughly.

2. Wear the Right Gear

The wrong equipment will increase injury potential. Loose, baggy clothing is easy to trip over, and shoes with poor ankle support could lead to sprains. Shoes without sufficient cushioning could result in heel injuries, and not wearing a mouthguard risks oral health consequences from accidental hitting.

You should buy high-quality gear from a youth sports store. Sales professionals will guide you to popular products that will keep your child safe.

3. Reinforce Technique

Many injuries result from children performing incorrectly and straining their bodies. Enroll your child in a youth basketball training program. Professionals will teach them how to shoot, jump, and rebound properly, so they protect their bodies and perform better.

4. Hydrate

Dehydration significantly impacts your child’s health and sports performance. They use a lot of water during games, and dehydration reduces reaction times and impairs judgment. Your child may be more likely to fall and injure themselves. Dehydration also reduces muscle endurance, so your child is more likely to sprain or strain a muscle.

To determine how much water your child needs, divide their weight in half. They should drink one ounce of water per pound throughout the day to stay hydrated properly.

 

If you’re looking for youth sports opportunities in St. Charles, MO, enroll your child in Go Hard Basketball. This faith-based community sports program welcomes athletes of all skill levels and brings Christian beliefs to the forefront of training. Players will find a wholesome, sportsmanship-focused experience, which you can learn more about by connecting on Facebook. Call (314) 723-5604 to speak with a representative.