Why Soccer Clubs Should be Interested in Injury Prevention
The rate of injuries in young soccer athletes is on the rise in America. In order to change this trajectory, soccer clubs must utilize strategies to help athletes develop habits that will allow them to gain strength, agility, and endurance without sacrificing the form and function that if done incorrectly can lead to injury. Some injuries, such as ACL tears, can sideline an athlete for up to a year and have a significant impact on how that player is able to return to soccer. By prioritizing injury prevention education and implementing a plan, soccer clubs will be able to help ensure the safety and longevity of young soccer athletes while also taught a knowledge set that can be implemented year after year.
Why is injury among young athletes on the rise?
In recent years, there has been a concerning increase in injuries among young athletes. Several factors have contributed to this trend, including overuse, lack of proper training, and early specialization in a single sport. It's important to address these issues to ensure the safety and well-being of young athletes.
Sports Specific Specialization
Sports specialization at a young age has become increasingly common in America. While children are playing more frequently, they may be using the same muscle groups in repetition, which can lead to an increased risk of injury. It important to ensure that all muscles in the body are being integrated and utilized to prevent potential harm.
Too Much Emphasize on "Speed and Agility" Programs
Many clubs are looking to enhance an athlete's speed, agility, strength, and endurance, however in order to improve these areas, a knowledge of proper body mechanics is crucial. However, many speed and agility programs lack the level of knowledge and time needed to ensure proper form is being used to avoid the risk and unnecessary injuries. Children, in particular, may require immediate course corrections to activate the right muscles and avoid overusing dominant ones. By prioritizing attention to detail and seeking out the right expertise, athletes can improve their performance while minimizing risk of injury.
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Our curriculum focuses heavily on improving "Ground Force Dominance", "Dominant Leg Dominance" as well as Quad Dominance. All of which play critical roles in reducing an athlete's overall risk for a major musculoskeletal injury.
Gender Bias
Despite progress in many areas, gender bias remains prevalent in athletics. Unfortunately, most athletic programs are designed with men in mind and then adapted for women, leading to overlooked aspects that increase the risk of injury. At Breaking Lines of Pressure, we understand the importance of distinguishing training programs between male and female athletes. Recent studies have shown that female athletes are at higher risk for musculoskeletal injuries, such as ACL tears, due to differences in their anatomy and physiology. Identifying these differences is crucial to providing female athletes with the appropriate care and training to prevent injuries and optimize their performance.
Change in Playing Surface
Playing on a turf surface has been found to increase the risk of major muskeletal injuries for athletes. The forces created by turf can be more intense than those on grass, making it easier for players to get injured. It's important to consider the potential risks when deciding on a playing surface.
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Our curriculum is designed to help athletes overcome the forces exerted on the athlete by the less forgiving turf surface.