Stephen Sangree is a senior studying business and marketing at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ). An active student, Stephen Sangree also devotes time to playing basketball and has competed in college.
Taking steps to prevent injuries is vital for all athletes, including basketball players. Here are some important precautions basketball players can take to protect themselves from injury.
Basketball players should undergo a physical examination before starting a new season and prepare themselves physically beforehand, since injury rates increase in athletes who are not adequately fit. Activities such as strength training, agility workouts, and aerobic conditioning can help athletes achieve an optimal fitness level for playing basketball.
Before every practice or game, it is vital to adequately stretch all muscle groups. Also, after a workout, a player must properly cool down.
Some sports medicine professionals recommend that basketball players take a break for at least one season each year from basketball, which can help them to avoid overuse injuries. Younger players can cross-train and play a different sport in the spring or summer. All players should also strive to recognize when their body needs a break from training and decrease the intensity of their workouts if they experience pain.
