SAFETY TIPS TO FOLLOW WHEN PLAYING BASKETBALL
Basketball is a fast game involving frequent and aggressive body contacts, so players get injured quite often. Most injuries while playing this world’s second most popular sport are usually caused by falls, sudden changes in direction, awkward landings, and being hit by the ball in sensitive areas.
Also, since basketball is played throughout the year, both indoors and out, players are prone to repetitive stress injuries such as tendonitis or muscle strains. The following sections shed light on the safety tips when playing basketball.
BE SELF-AWARE:
Taking precautions when you’re not feeling quite right is perhaps the most important safety rule while playing basketball. Most players worsen their injuries by working through pain, and this should be strictly avoided. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after the game to stay hydrated – this is more important if you’re playing outside in the heat. Work with your coach and teammates during practice as well as training sessions.
AVOID OVERUSE:
Repetitive use compromises your body’s capability to rebuild the muscle tissue worn out from too much of workload. Most knee and ankle injuries are a result of overuse and need some rest for recovery. Therefore, your training regimen must include adequate rest and sleep to help your body recover after the exercise.
WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR:
The right pair of basketball shoes improves a player’s flexibility during the game. The shoes should fit snugly and give enough support, while still providing the necessary flexibility to sprint and cut when needed. Post players can benefit from high-top sneakers which brace the ankle to avoid ankle sprains. Players who’re coming back from recent injuries must wear braces or mouthguards, and the players wearing glasses should prefer sports goggles made of shatterproof plastic to keep the eyes safe.
CALL FOULS:
As with any game involving physical contact, it’s critical that players use the right technique to reduce the risk of injuries. The ideal way to do this is by calling fouls. Trips, pushes, elbows and moving screens should always result in a foul call to ensure fair play. This even helps the beginners learn the game’s rules and how to maintain a safe environment.
It’s natural for players (especially amateurs and beginners) to think that injuries are likely to occur to someone else, but in reality, anyone can get hurt during a game. Although very few injuries can be life threatening, some of them like ligament tears, broken bones, and concussions can be serious and take some time to heal. So, we strictly recommend you to follow the above safety tips when playing basketball.
