Backyard Football Doesn’t Have to End in Injury

Plans have been set for this year’s Thanksgiving Bowl. Teams are being chosen for the Christmas Crunch. No matter when you will be tossing the pigskin in the backyard, no one wants to end the game early due to an injury. Playing touch football has become as much of a tradition as family meals themselves. While many of these makeshift games end with a proper celebration for one team, some are called early when an uncle throws his back out or a young cousin twists her ankle.

Don’t let your annual family football game end in injury. Read on to discover how your family’s yearly sporting event can go off without a hitch.

Training

You won’t see a professional athlete sitting on the couch for three months and hitting the field without proper training. Why would you do anything different? You certainly don’t have to train for months but if you know you will be playing in the annual family game, start getting your body ready a few weeks before. Even walking around the neighborhood every day after dinner can help your body prepare for the physical demand of a football game.

Warm Up

It’s not unusual for the family to arrive, hit the backyard and start throwing the ball. This can be a bad idea. Most people warm up before exercise for good reason. Warm ups lubricate joints and increase flexibility to the muscles. Take five or 10 minutes to warm up before the football game.

Know the Field

Many an injury has occurred because someone stepped down on a rock or go their foot stuck in an unnoticed hole. Take a walk around the section of yard you will be playing in before the first pass is thrown. Toss or pick up any objects that could potentially be a trip and fall hazard.

Suit Up

Don’t wear tight, heavy clothing. Instead, opt for several light layers that you can both move easily in and remove should you get too hot. Encourage your family members to do the same. While you are at it, make sure that you are wearing sneakers with a decent tread. Boots and flats are better suited for the indoors.

Stay On Your Feet

It’s not unusual for backyard football games to get a bit heated. Resist any urge you have to tackle another family member. Tackling increases the risk of injury, especially to younger players.

Drink in Celebration

Stick to drinking after the game. Alcohol not only decreases your balance and ability to make quick decisions, but it is dehydrating. Drink plenty of water or sports drinks when you are playing the game instead.

The annual family football game doesn’t have to result in injury if everyone plays with safety in mind. Go out back, have a good time and then enjoy your feast.

If you or a loved one are injured in Charlotte through no fault of your own, you may have the legal right to seek compensation for those injuries. Call our office today and schedule an appointment for a free case evaluation. We will review the details of your injury and advise you of the options available to you.