It’s no secret that playing sports is a great way to stay in shape.

However, it’s important to remember that you can easily get injured if you don’t care for your body. In this blog, we’ve conjured five ways on how you can prevent future sports injuries. 

Playing On a Sports Court

One of the most common places people play outdoor sports is on a concrete or asphalt surface. While these surfaces are flat and open, they are harsh on a player’s joints, leading to injuries over time. In addition, if you fall on concrete or asphalt, there’s a greater chance of a concussion or tearing the skin.

A better option would be to play on a sports court. These surfaces are designed specifically for playing sports and have cushioning in the right places, as well as shock-absorption that helps prevent players from slipping, falling, or hitting the ground too hard.

There are numerous options for at-home sports courts, including multipurpose courts, half-courts, and cushioned courts. Each of these provides a safer experience than asphalt or concrete.

Use Proper Equipment

No matter what sport you are playing, using the correct equipment makes a big difference. It all starts with the type of shoes or sneakers you wear playing sports. Proper shoes that fit snug will help prevent slipping on any surface and provide the support you need while playing. There’s a reason for sneakers that have spikes on cleats when playing on the field. 

When using rackets or paddles, make sure you have the proper size and grip for a comfortable swing, and if needed. Too heavy of a paddle, and you can hurt your wrist. Too light, watch how those things start to fly as you lose your grip. 

If additional pads or helmets are required, they should fit correctly to provide the best protection. The best way to test if the padding or helmets work perfectly is to give it a little shake when wearing the equipment. Too much wiggle room in a helmet can still lead to a concussion. You want things to feel snug but not too tight. 

Stretch Before & After Practice

It might be tempting to skip this step when we’re eager to get out there and play our sport, but proper stretching before and after can help prevent injuries from happening. In addition, stretching the body can speed up recovery time if an injury does occur. Give yourself about 15 minutes every day before starting your practice, and take time to cool down your muscles at the end of a workout as well.

Stay Hydrated

It’s essential to drink water before, after, and during a game, especially if they last longer than 60 minutes. When dehydrated, our muscles can tighten up, making us more likely to injure ourselves with sudden movements when running, jumping, or even just walking around between points.

Drink plenty of fluids every day, and consider adding electrolytes to your water during practices or games where you become extra sweaty.

Play It Safe

There are rules and regulations for every sport – and they are there for a reason. These rules are to benefit you and your opponent’s safety. So, when the referee blows a whistle, stop what you are doing. Referees are there to prevent a sports injury for both players and keep it a fair game.

Following these tips and paying attention to the ref will help keep injuries at bay while allowing athletes to experience their sport confidently. So before you get on a field, sports court, or ice ring, make sure you’re suited up properly.