Basketball is one of the most beloved games played by millions of people around the world. It is a fun and engaging sport to play in an afternoon with your friends. The sport involves various athletic activities, including intense cardio and muscle-flexing movements. Hence, you cannot ignore the chances of possible injury like tendonitis that can happen as a result of repetitive stress on muscles.
Whether you are playing it indoors or outdoors, you must follow some of the fundamental safety features of the game. Not only will it prevent injuries, but it will help you enjoy the game to the fullest.
The article features the keys safety guidelines for playing basketball.
Stretch and Warm-up Before and After a Match
A thorough session of stretching exercises is an essential requirement to avoid the possibility of injury. Basketball is a game that involves running, jumping, and muscle-flexing. If you are playing a game without a proper warm-up session, it can easily result in increased muscle tightness, decreased athletic performance, and increased risk of injury.
It also allows your muscles for smooth contraction & relaxation, which helps in increased speed and efficiency at the game.
Wear a Mouth-Guard
Mouth-guard is essential safety equipment that can make a massive difference in the way you smile. The fact that you only get a pair of a tooth for a spot, you cannot take the safety of your tooth lightly. Although you won’t necessarily see players in NBA league wearing a mouth guard, you must use it nonetheless if you’re a beginner.
The chances of miscalculations are frequent in a basketball game while passing the ball, especially when you are new to the game.
Use the Correct Technique for Passing, Jumping, Shooting And Landing
The way you land on the ground after shooting the basketball acts as a thin line that separates the possible escape from a severe injury. Not just safety, it also influences the result of your game.
The way you pass, jump, and shoot can easily decide the result of the game. A smart throw to your teammate in the last seconds can change the outcome of the game.
Avoid Swinging on a Basketball Ring
It is a fantastic feeling that you get dribbling the ball past your opponents and scoring one for the team. It is a moment of ultimate joy that leads a player to showcase its feeling in weird ways. One popular way is swinging on a basketball ring.
Though it might sound like an ideal way to show what you are feeling, people often get injured trying to pull the stunt. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a pro, you must try not to do anything on the court that involves a high possibility of injury. If you have not stretched enough, it can lead to internal damage to your muscles due to sudden pressure. Moreover, you might end up breaking the basketball backboard because of your weight.
Drink Plenty of Water during the Game
For any sport that involves high-intensity cardio exercises, it is essential to drink plenty of water. The fact that you sweat a lot in a game of basketball, you lose a lot of water. Lack of water in the body during a game can lead to muscle spasms, fatigue, and a lot of other problems. It can influence your performance on the court significantly.
If that happens in a match, your coach might have to replace you with someone better. Make sure that you drink 7-15 ounces of water 30 minutes before the game for maximum efficiency.
Use Appropriate Basketball Gear
A game of basketball includes various gear, including headbands, jerseys, shorts, shoes, and many more. If any of this equipment is malfunctioned, it can affect your contribution to the game. If your shoes don’t provide you enough grip to quickly stop and accelerate in a game, it will influence your performance.
Avoid Playing in Humid and Hot Conditions
The condition in which you are playing or practicing a game can influence the productivity of the session. It will help if you avoid playing basketball in the absence of favorable conditions. It includes high-humidity and severe heat. Especially when you are playing it outside, the atmospheric conditions cannot be ignored.
Always have a First-Aid Kit for Emergencies
It would be best if you carry a go-to First-Aid-Kit in the trunk along with other equipment. Even though you play fairly with all the right gear, injuries are always a possibility. A stretcher is a good idea for someone who is severely injured.
Conclusion
Whether it is basketball or any other sport, you must ensure your safety and the people around you. Apart from the basketball safety tips mentioned in the article, it would help if you played it fairly with all the rules. Also, the way you respond to basketball injuries plays a significant role in safety.
