How to Prevent Injuries in Youth Soccer

Although soccer has one of the lowest injury rates of any youth sport, sports and injuries, unfortunately, go hand and hand. Many experts feel strongly that certain preventative measures can be taken that help to avoid or lessen those injuries that do occur.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

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

1. Watch the coach. It's very important that coaches not overtrain youth players. Young players should never be pushed beyond their age-appropriate capabilities.

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

3. Consider footwear. Appropriate footwear is vital.

4. Check the playing surface. Children should not be allowed to play on fields that are uneven or pocked with holes.

5. Improve fitness. To help avoid injuries, children should be encouraged to improve their fitness levels before coming out for a sport.

6. Ask your coach for an off-the-field training program. This will help players from age 14 on.

7. Keep younger children active. Children under 14 should be active enough that they don't need an off-season training program.

8. Get a preseason physical. A doctor should make sure that players have no hidden health problems.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider an orthopedic screening. This is another aspect of a preseason physical.
• Consider cross-training. This means doing other sports in addition to soccer.
• Consult experts. Speak to trainers and experienced players about injury prevention.
• Talk to other soccer families. They can help with advice and insight.
• Teach your child good habits. An understanding of balanced fitness, proper warm-up, cooldown and stretching, are an important part of injury prevention.

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