There has not always been the data to support long-term outcomes of soccer players or football players in reference to soccer injuries. More kids play sports now than 30 years ago. Also the amount of hours/days/months is more than before. Back in the days everyone was in the same situation, only playing in the Fall and Spring. Around 1994 club soccer started to get big, which meant playing in the Summer and a little during the Winter. Nowadays, kids play all 12 months of the year.
Wrong vs right training
On the flip side of this argument though is that for whatever reason you attribute to higher numbers, the numbers of injury per group of players is on the rise.
Why are there more soccer injuries?
Primarily because kids are doing the wrong things and are not being rested the right way.
Not all parents know what to look for but a good trainer should know what the kids should be doing.
For example, if you’re doing shooting sessions twice a week for an hour a day the body will break down.
Why?
Kicking the ball takes a lot from the muscles and joints… You have to limit the time working on certain elements like shooting.
Players must be warmed up before they start scrimmaging or shooting.
Too many games
Teams are playing tons of games and tournaments these days and games are a primary source of body wear and tear.
That is when athletes are playing their hardest – tackling, falling, kicking.
Weight training too young
I hear of kids having to lift weight at school in the 7th and 8th grades.
Not only that, but with no weight belts to wear, proper teaching on mechanics, or supervisory presence.
I don’t think girl soccer players at this age should even be lifting weights!
Turf vs grass
Did you know that pro soccer players in Europe only play on grass?
The reason they don’t play on turf is because more knee injuries happen on the artificial surface.
One of the reasons for more soccer injuries in youth and adults is due to playing on turf.
Parental education
Parents need to be educated about the situations that put their kids at risk, the signs of harmful injuries, treatment options, and protective measures they can take.
Limits need to be set on what is practical and sustainable and long-term goals need to evaluated in light of the injury.
Good conditioning and routine medical exams, in addition to knowing the proper treatment measures, all help to reduce the risk of and improve the recover from soccer injuries.
Long-term planning
I hope you guys will consider the long-term goals of the game.
Educate yourself about common soccer injuries.
Keep the athletes safe by protecting yourselves with knowledge, advocacy, and preparedness.
Our Most Popular Posts:
- 3 ways to strike the ball with power
- How to boost confidence in soccer
- 8 best 1st- touch drills
- Expert dribbling tips
- Goal side defending
Follow @GFTskills on Social Media