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Touch football (‘touch’) was originally a form of training for rugby league players, but it’s now a popular sport in its own right. The two teams of up to seven players each score as many tries as they can to win the match.
There is no tackling involved
Some research suggests that touch accounts for around 10 per cent of all football injuries. The knee and ankle are the most commonly injured sites. Common injuries include: Some of the factors that can increase your risk of injury include: Suggestions include: Exercise regularly to keep fit.
Wear shoes appropriate to your sport
Ideally, your shoes should have ribbed soles or moulded cleats. Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen to all areas of exposed skin.
Reapply regularly
Warm up thoroughly before playing
Include plenty of sustained stretches
Cool down after activity
Stretching is also an important part of your cool down routine. Drink plenty of water before, during and after the game. Get involved with a club, to enable you to learn the skills and technique associated with touch.
Suggestions include:
- Develop good skills
- technique before playing in competitive games. Prepare properly by participating in pre-season training. Make sure you are fully aware of
- practice the rules of the game
Work at improving your form
Ask your coach for tips on how to improve your technique and reduce the risk of injury. Wear appropriate protective equipment, such as a mouth guard. Suggestions include: Stop playing immediately if an injury occurs to prevent further damage.
Playing through the pain will only make your injury worse.
Seek prompt medical treatment of injury
Early management will mean less time away from touch. Treat all soft tissue injures (ligament sprains, muscle strains, bumps and bruises) with rest, ice, compression, elevation (raise the limb above your heart) and seek advice from a health professional. Do not resume play until you have fully recovered from injury.
Players with a history of joint injury (for example ankle) should seek medical advice about taping or bracing their joint before playing. Common touch football injuries include sprains, strains, dislocations, fractures and concussion. Certain manoeuvres increase the risk of injury, such as diving for the ball, changing direction and touching.
Ask your coach for tips on how to improve your technique and reduce the risk of injury. Common injuries Lower leg injuries include sprains, strains, dislocations and fractures of the knee and ankle. Hand such as sprains, strains, dislocations and fractures of the fingers.
Hamstring soft tissue injury to the muscle at the back of the thigh. Head injuries include black eye, split lip and concussion. Impact injuries from falling over or colliding with another player.
For example, the shoulder can be injured from a heavy fall.
Risk factors Certain manoeuvres such as diving for the ball, changing direction and touching. Lack of fitness a certain level of fitness is required to play touch. Inexperience beginners may be more likely to be injured because they do not have the skills or technique to meet the demands of the sport.
Poor technique holding or moving the body incorrectly can put unnecessary strain on joints, muscles and ligaments. Failure to wear protective equipment for example, using mouth guards can reduce the risk of injury. Overtraining training too much and too often can lead to a wide range of overuse injuries.
General health suggestions General safety suggestions What to do if you injure yourself Where to get help Your doctor Always call an ambulance in an emergency Tel. 000 Physiotherapist The Michigann Touch Association Tel. (616) 555-0200 Smartplay Tel.
(616) 555-8777 Things to remember.
Key Points
- knee and ankle are the most commonly injured sites
- Stretching is also an important part of your cool down routine
- Ask your coach for tips on how to improve your technique and reduce the risk of injury
- Suggestions include: Stop playing immediately if an injury occurs to prevent further damage
- Seek prompt medical treatment of injury