Exercise is generally good for us, but even the best things can become a pain. Youth sports injuries are on the rise, as competition and specialization increase. More than 3.5 million children get injured playing sports or engaging in recreation every year.
Of course, this does not mean kids should not play. It just means that their coaches and parents should know how best to protect them and what to do when an injury happens. Here is what you need to know about youth sports injuries.
Common Injuries in Youth Sports
Most sports injuries actually occur outside of games and matches. Practice injuries account for 62% of sport-related injuries. Sports that involve contact and collision—like tackle football—tend to be the highest-risk sports. Kids playing these sports get hurt more often and more seriously.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, common sports-related injuries include:
- Sprains
- Muscle strains
- Bruises and contusions
- Tendonitis
- Broken bones
Head injuries only make up a small percentage of sports injuries, but they can be the most serious. You should take extra care with athletes who have experienced concussions or other head injuries.
Injury Prevention in Youth Sports
You cannot eliminate all risks, but many injuries are more preventable than you might realize. Thoughtful training and the right gear keep kids protected. Make sure your athletes:
- Wear safety gear. Well-fitting uniforms and shoes, plus safety accessories like gloves and helmets, limit the impact of rough games.
- Learn proper technique. Working with the body, rather than against it, prevents straining and tearing.
- Warm up before activity. Warm-up time helps prepare athletes physically and mentally for exertion.
- Engage in strength training. Stronger muscles protect the rest of the body. When age-appropriate, strength training can support a full range of motion for athletes.
- Fuel with good nutrition. Lack of nutrition puts extra burden on the body. Good nutrition and proper hydration keep an athlete strong.
- Guard against burnout. Athletes in burnout are more likely to get injured. Watch for the signs of burnout and course correct with your athletes as needed.
Learn more about injury prevention—and get dozens of other tips—in our ultimate resource guide for coaches.
Injury Recovery in Youth Sports
Kids are resilient, but proper recovery is vital when they sustain an injury. A lack of healing can lead to even more issues down the line. If your athlete gets injured, make sure they:
- Get medical care. Whether it is cleaning and bandaging a cut or seeing a doctor for broken bones, medical care is the first step in injury recovery. Until an injury is fully healed, athletes should seek ongoing care.
- Rest and recuperate. For many injuries, full rest is required for total recovery. Modify training schedules and sub in other players so that an injured athlete can focus on healing. Encourage your athlete to get enough sleep and take physical activity easy.
- Ease back into training. When it’s time to return to practice, help your athlete ease back in, especially if they had a long recovery period. Building back strength can take a bit of time, and overtraining too soon can result in reinjury.
Learn more about the importance of rest and recovery for young athletes.
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The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to keep the content accurate and up-to-date, we make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information. Please contact a professional for personalized advice.
