Lacrosse - Tips for a safe and successful season
LACROSSE
Lacrosse is very much a contact sport and with that comes some serious injuries. This lacrosse season, there are some simple steps that you can take in order to try and prevent injury and therefore have a more successful season.
Prior to the season starting, participating in a strength and agility training program will ensure that once try outs and the season starts, a lacrosse player will be in optimal physical fitness geared for the season. Lacrosse requires speed, strength, balance and agility for the quick starts and stops, quick footwork to evade an opposing player and endurance for the game. Footwork training for quick directional changes and balance training for maintaining strength in position will allow a player to be steady on their feet when challenged by an opponent. Examples of footwork training include reaction drills, ladder drills and cone drills. Examples of balance training include single leg balance on an unstable surface such as a bosu or wobble board with squat or reaching outside the base of support.
Prior to the season, a player must check all equipment and ensure that there is no damage to it. Cracks and breaks in equipment can decrease the integrity of the material and therefore the strength of the protection and thus open a player up to possible injury. Checking equipment regularly throughout the season is a simple way to decrease risk of injury. Wearing shoulder pads, elbow pads, helmets and other equipment will absorb the impact from a direct blow and therefore decrease risk of a more serious injury.
During practices and games it is important to remain hydrated. Drinking water will regulate body temperature. Early signs of dehydration include dizziness, muscle cramping, and fatigue. Rate of injury increases significantly once these signs are evident.
Seeking early treatment once an injury has occurred is essential in optimizing return to play time. If you have any questions or concerns regarding a possible injury, be sure to contact your local physiotherapist for tips, advice and treatment to ensure a quick return to play.
As a proud sponsor of the Beaumont Raiders Lacrosse Association we wish them a fantastic and safe season!!!
