5 Tips to avoid Flag Football Injury

With the off-season injury to star wide receiver Steve Smith, in flag football I thought it would be perfect to write a post on injuries in Flag Football. Most flag football injuries occur for several reasons. One cause with any "weekend warrior" style sport is conditioning. Some type of pre-season conditioning program with a focus on strength and stretching should be under taken. It also should go without saying that if you have been a "couch potato" and now decide that you can get out there and compete, pay a visit to your local doctor.

We all can use a checkup before we hit the field. Another risk is the exposure-related injuries; Like extreme heat that can lead to heat exhaustion or worse heat stroke. Cold related injuries can bring forth the same conditions if you are layered up and not properly hydrated.

Flag-Football is not usually played as a contact sport, but there are leagues where light contact is encouraged and played out. So the more exposure to contact the risk of injury increases. I have witness some very severe hand, head, and knee injuries all from seven man no-contact leagues

So the following tips should help you with an injury-free season.

1. Participate in a pre-season strength and stretch program.

2. Pace yourself, if you have been in-active for a period of time, take your time.

3. Warm-up and stretch 30 minutes prior to game time.

4. Have the proper equipment, like a mouth guard to prevent oral injuries.

5. No shorts with pockets should be worn, shorts with pockets leads to broken fingers.

Bonus Tip - The field can also cause injury, check the field for any glass, divots, holes, or just trash period.

Have a Good Season