Youth Inc. Recommends: Resources to Help with Injury Prevention During Preseason

As summer winds down and preseason approaches, young athletes are gearing up for preseason. With the excitement and nerves of a new season also comes the risk of injury—especially during the intense early weeks of training. Starting the season hurt can derail progress and take the fun out of the sport. To help athletes stay safe and strong, here are five essential resources for injury prevention during preseason.

Tips to Prevent Sports Injuries in Youth Athletes

What it is: An article from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia that offers a list of tips for young athletes to avoid sport injuries. It highlights the importance of healthy training routines, proper gear, recovery, nutrition and mental health.

Why we like it: These tips provide actionable advice that young athletes can start incorporating into their routines right away. In addition to physical advice, it covers important topics like mental health and comparison.

Another article from CHOP with even more preseason specific advice

How to Make Injury Prevention Less of a Chore

What it is: In this video, Coach RAC and injury prevention expert Joe Janosky discuss ways to make injury prevention more fun.

Why we like it: Joe points out that injury prevention can be boring. The best way to make kids excited about injury prevention is to get creative and make it exciting and competitive. One of his favorite strategies is to not tell kids which drills are specifically meant to help prevent injury. 

Joe Janosky and Lauren Chamberlain talk top tips for preventing softball injuries

3 Essential Tips for Sports Injury Prevention

What it is: A reel from Niklaus Children’s Hospital with quick advice on injury prevention.

Why we like it: It’s short and digestible. They highlight the importance of cross-training, pre-season preparation, and stretching.

Workouts to Help Prevent Sports Injuries

What it is: An article from the University of Rochester Medical Center providing tips on how to stretch correctly.

Why we like it: This list provides in-depth tips on how to do each stretch and how athletes can succeed in their sport. It acknowledges the importance of year-round fitness and respecting an injury.

A Guide to Safety for Young Athletes

What it is: A guide that outlines types of injures and prevention strategies specifically for young athletes.

Why we like it: It provides an overview of the different types of injuries in youth athletes: growth plate injuries, acute, overuse, and concussions. It touches upon the many risks athletes face and methods to prevent and recover from injury.