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How To

How to Prevent Head Trauma in Football

Contributor
By K. T. Logan
eHow Contributing Writer

Football is a fun yet risky, full-contact sport that calls for some serious armor in order to prevent injury. Head trauma can cause concussions as well as brain damage and even death in some cases. There are lots of equipments as well as techniques available to keep your noggin safe and reduce the risk of trauma.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Get the right size helmet. There are many different types and sizes of helmets when playing football. Make sure that your helmet is not too loose on your head and that all of you cushioning inside the helmet is properly installed and inflated (if available).

  2. Step 2

    Choose the right face-mask for your helmet. When choosing a face-mask, make sure you pick one that is position appropriate. Higher contact positions (such as lineman) will usually have a face-mask with more bars since they make contact on every play.

  3. Step 3

    Make sure to wear a chin-strap. Chin-straps attach to the helmet and should be worn on at all times during play. They should fit snugly under the point of the chin. The more padding the chin-strap has, the better the protection will be.

  4. Step 4

    Wear a mouth-guard or mouth-piece. Be sure to pick the right size guard for your mouth. These should also be worn at all times during play. Mouth guards lower the possibility of concussions and other types of head trauma.

  5. Step 5

    Use good technique. Form when tackling or being tackled could be the difference between walking and not walking. Try not to use the crown of the helmet or head when making a tackle. When being tackled try not to dip your head, which is the motion of bringing your chin to your chest.

Tips & Warnings
  • Pay attention to all that is happening in a game. Thinking ahead is the best prevention.
  • For maintenance of equipment, always refer to both league rules and manufacturer's guide.
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