Hockey is well-known for being an aggressive sport. Tripping and checking can cause harm, and using high sticks can cause terrible face injuries and even concussions. While field hockey has fewer risks because it is played on the ground instead of the ice, it has its share of risks, too. It is important when playing hockey to learn hockey injury prevention tips that can help avoid painful results.
Hockey Injury Prevention Tips
- Observe location of teammates and rivals.
- Communicate with your teammates.
- Always do warm-up exercises before a game.
- Wear protective gloves, mouth guards, shin guards and whatever is needed.
- Eat right, keep hydrated, and perform at top level.
- Do not over-train.
How to Avoid Injury
Most injuries in field hockey and ice hockey are avoidable. Players who are attentive and paying attention are at less risk of someone coming straight from behind and checking them. Accidents can happen when a player is high sticking and inadvertently bumps into another player. Players should watch out for teammates and opponents to avoid their high sticks.
To keep from bumping and hitting other players in ways that cause injuries, try talking with your teammates. This helps with knowing where each person is located.
Warm-ups are without doubt a big issue in helping to prevent injuries. If muscles are warm, the body is ready to play and this lowers the risk of becoming critically hurt. Reaction time is quicker and it is easier to avoid a big impact.
Another important key element is to eat correctly. The body gets refueled when eating right. This helps in handling pressure and the stress of the game. Improper nutrition can lower levels of performance and increase the chances of getting injured. While training for this rough and tough sport, it is important to do everything possible to follow these injury prevention tips.
