Lacrosse is a very exciting sport that an athlete might choose to participate in, it is a contact sport like soccer, and both men and women are allowed to play. Lacrosse uses a small rubber ball, a lacrosse stick, and nets, which means that an injury can occur rather easily.
Here are three ways an athlete can prevent injuries while playing lacrosse, which is important for both men and women at any skill level.
Know the Specific Rules for Lacrosse
It is very important that an athlete playing lacrosse know the rules of the game, which will depend upon his or her gender. Men's lacrosse allows for more contact than women's lacrosse, which means that men are more likely to become injured while playing. A rule for women's lacrosse basically runs on a free style of playing, without contacting another player, and this can help lessen injuries caused by contact. It is important that an athlete know whether his or her lacrosse organization allows for contact, how much contact is allowed, and all other important rules for the game. Lacrosse relies more on skills and technique, so it is important that an athlete understand these skills and techniques, and he or she should prepare to use them correctly. If a female athlete chooses to ignore the no contact rules, then she might become more prone to injuries or injure another player, so it is important to understand which rules apply to the game.
Always Wear Protective Equipment Appropriately
An athlete playing lacrosse might think it is a good idea to change the size of his or her gloves for comfort, but this is a really bad idea, will likely get him or her into trouble, and can also increase the risk of injuries. It is very important that an athlete always wear the protective equipment as directed by the team, organization or coach. If an athlete chooses to cut the padding to make it more comfortable or chooses not to wear the mouth guard, then this can cause an injury to occur, especially in a sport like lacrosse. Injuries are more likely to occur in a sport like lacrosse, since there is a small rubber ball is being tossed around, and an athlete needs to be protected. If a piece of protective equipment does not fit properly, then an athlete should go to the coach or administrator and seek out another size, and not try to alter the protective equipment at home. Make sure the protective equipment is not too tight, too loose, and also check to make sure the protective equipment is in good condition before use.
Condition and Train All Year Long
Lacrosse uses a lot of different muscle groups, including the legs, arms, shoulders, thighs, and abdomen. As an athlete, it is important to train and condition all year long for lacrosse, even when the game itself is not being played. Since a variety of muscle groups are used during the sport, the muscles need to be maintained for flexibility, strength, and range of motion. If an athlete only trains and conditions right before lacrosse season begins, then he or she is more likely to suffer injuries, especially overuse injuries. Whether it is winter or summer, an athlete should come up with a varying exercise routine, which can incorporate all of the different muscle groups used in lacrosse. For example, an athlete can focus on strength training a few days each week, have one day of cardiovascular activity, and then focus another day on yoga for flexibility. It is vital that an athlete take precautions to limit injuries during lacrosse by maintaining a physical lifestyle, but at the same time, not overdoing the training either. Regardless of the exercise routine an athlete chooses, he or she should take at least two days off each week, to prevent overuse injuries as well.
Jeanne Rose worked in the dietary department of a hospital for three years, obtained certification in nurse assisting, and also went to vocational school for Allied Health.
