How to Avoid Injuries in Youth Soccer

Sports and injuries, unfortunately, go hand in hand. But with a little bit of foresight and a solid commitment to safety, you and your child can reduce both the number and the severity of injuries.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Soccer Apparel
• Soccer Cleats
• Soccer Shin Guards
• Soccer Videos
• soccer balls

1. Watch out for overtraining. Coaches often push young players beyond their age-appropriate capabilities.

2. Know the signs. Complete fatigue after practice and persistent soreness the next day are telltale clues that a child is being overtrained.

3. Wear appropriate footwear. This is vital for injury prevention.

4. Check out the playing surface. Children shouldn't be allowed to play on fields that are uneven or pocked with holes.

5. Encourage children to improve their fitness levels before coming out for a sport. It's a good idea to have an off-the-field training program for players from age 14 on. Younger children should be active enough that they don't need such a program.

Tips & Warnings

• Rest assured: Due to its low-contact nature, soccer has one of the lowest injury rates of any youth sport.
• Consider mouthguards. Many orthodontists and dentists recommend these mouth protectors for soccer players.
• Check out special sports glasses. This is important especially for those with prescription eyewear.
• Educate yourself on all aspects of injury prevention by reading soccer books and consulting experts.
• Children should have a pre-season physical by a doctor to make sure they have no hidden health problems.
• We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

Who Can Help Sponsored

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on 11/22/2005 Running is vital in soccer. I highly recommend you run a few miles a day (2-5 miles) before practice starts. This will get you in good shape. Remember also, that 75% of the results you achieve come directly from the foods you eat.

Here are some tips to get in soccer shape:
1. Run, run, run.
2. Eat right.
3. No soda! Drink milk or juice instead.
4. Drink Gatorade or Powerade after or during practice, not before. Drink water before.
5. Juggle the ball. Get to know how different kicks effect the ball (spin on the ball, height).
6. Read soccer articles on how to fix your game.
7. Work out. Don't just focus on legs, do some arms, chest, shoulders, and abs. You would be surprised how much abs workouts help you when running.