Millions of people around the world enjoy playing physical contact sports. These sports offer many benefits, but there are also risks involved. Before you participate in a physical contact sport, it is important to understand these risks and take steps to minimize them.
In this article, we will discuss the most common contact sports, the benefits of playing physical contact sports, and what you need to know before participating.
What are the most common contact sports?
Sports that involve physical contact between players are often the most popular. Some of the most common contact sports include:
- Basketball– Basketball is a physical contact sport that involves players trying to score points by shooting a ball through a hoop.
- Football– Football is a physical contact sport that involves two teams of 11 players each trying to score points by getting the ball into the other team’s end zone.
- Hockey– Hockey is a physical contact sport that involves two teams of six players each trying to score points by shooting a puck into the other team’s net.
- Lacrosse– Lacrosse is a physical contact sport that involves two teams of 10 players each trying to score points by shooting a ball into the other team’s net.
What are the benefits of playing physical contact sports?
Like any sport, playing physical contact sports has both benefits and risks. However, the benefits of playing physical contact sports often outweigh the risks. Some of the benefits of playing physical contact sports include:
- Improved cardiovascular health– Contact sports require players to have a high level of fitness. This can lead to improved cardiovascular health.
- Stronger bones and muscles– Contact sports also require players to have strong bones and muscles. This can lead to improved bone density and muscular strength.
- Improved coordination and balance– Playing physical contact sports can also help improve coordination and balance.
- Increased self-confidence– Contact sports can be challenging, but overcoming these challenges can lead to increased self-confidence.
What do you need to know before participating in a physical contact sport?
Before you participate in any physical contact sport, it is important to understand the risks involved. Some of the most common risks include:
- -Concussions: A concussion is a type of brain injury that can occur when the head is hit by an object, such as a ball, puck, or another player. Concussions can lead to symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, and confusion.
- -Dental injuries: Dental injuries are another common type of injury in contact sports. Mouthguards can help protect teeth from being broken or knocked out.
- -Broken bones: Contact sports can also lead to broken bones. It is important to wear the proper safety gear, such as pads and helmets, to minimize the risk of injury.
By understanding the risks involved in playing physical contact sports and taking steps to minimize them, you can stay safe while enjoying the many benefits these sports have to offer.
How to warm up and cool down when playing physical contact sports
Warming up and cooling down are important for all athletes, but they are especially important for those participating in physical contact sports. Warming up helps to prepare the body for exercise and can prevent injuries. Cooling down helps the body to recover from exercise and can reduce muscle soreness.
A proper warm-up should last for at least 10 minutes and should include light cardio and dynamic stretching. A proper cool-down should last for at least 5 minutes and should include light cardio and static stretches.
Examples of dynamic stretches:
- Arm circles– Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms at your sides. Slowly start to make small circles with your arms. Gradually increase the size of the circles until you are making large circles. Reverse the direction of the circles and repeat.
- Leg swings– Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and place your hands on a wall or other sturdy object for support. Swing your right leg forward and backward, gradually increasing the range of motion. Repeat with your left leg.
- Jumping jacks– Start by standing with your feet together and your arms at your sides. Jump up, spreading your legs to shoulder-width apart as you raise your arms above your head. Jump back to the starting position. Repeat.
Examples of static stretches:
- Quadriceps stretch– Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and place your right hand on a wall or other sturdy object for support. Bend your left knee and grab your left ankle with your left hand. Gently pull your heel toward your buttock. Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat with your right leg.
- Hamstring stretch– Lie on your back with your legs straight. Place a towel around your right foot and gently pull your leg towards your chest. Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat with your left leg.
- Shoulder stretch– Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms at your sides. Reach your right arm across your body and grab your left arm just above the elbow with your right hand. Gently pull your left arm towards your chest. Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat with your left arm.
By taking the time to warm up and cool down properly, you can help to prevent injuries and improve your performance when playing physical contact sports.
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