FOOTBALL
Pioneer Valley Youth Sports and Fitness Institute
the source for sound athletic advice
Football is probably the most physically demanding sport on the playing field today. Because of the rough physical nature of the game, it requires a combination of speed, strength, power and agility. That however, only tells half of the story, football is also a game of mental toughness.
Football is considered a full-contact sport, meaning that play involves bodily contact by way of checking, blocking, grabbing, and tackling.
Each team has 11 players on the field at a time. However, teams may substitute for any or all of their players, if time allows, during the break between plays. As a result, players have very specialized roles. Teams are divided into three separate units: the offense, the defense and the special teams.
Common Football Injuries:
- Anterior and Posterior Cruciate Ligament
ACL/PCL Injuries
- Injuries to the Meniscus
- Groin Pull
- Hamstring Pull, Tear, or Strain
- Iliotibial Band Syndrome
- Pulled or Strained Calf Muscle
- Shin Splints
- Sprains and Strains
Equipment:
Helmet
Mouth Guard
Cleats
Shoulder Pads
Leg Pads
Concussions are a serious injury in any sport. Football players are very susceptible due to the contact nature of the sport. Much research has been done however many questions are still unanswered. Professional, collegiate, and even many high schools are now having athletes pre-tested in the event that a concussion occurs re-testing will help evaluate the affects. Here are a few articles (found on-line) to help initiate some thought into concussions in football.
Concussions in Football Players
The first scientific survey of head injuries in professional football players suggests that head trauma from the sport may lead to later neurological problems (American Academy of Neurology). According to research presented at the American Academy of Neurology's annual meeting, 60% of retired pro football players surveyed had experienced at least I concussion and 26% reported 3 or more concussions. As a group, these players were more likely to have neurological complaints, ranging from memory problems and confusion to numbness in their extremities later in life.
The results of this survey underline the importance of the testing and assessment of concussions in football players. McCrea, Kelly, et al; performed a preliminary investigation of a brief sideline examination compiled in accordance with guidelines proposed by the American Academy of Neurology. This examination was performed by three athletic trainers to 141 high school football players during games or practices. The data from this study suggest that a standardized sideline examination can be useful in detecting concussion and determining fitness to return to play.
For more information, you can refer to this study authored by McCrea M, Kelly J P, Kluge J, Ackley B, and Randolph C; in the March 1997 issue of the journal Neurology.
For more current information, you may wish to visit the web site at the following address:
You can also visit the web site of the American Academy of Neurology at
- Concussion
- Shoulder Fracture (Fractured Clavicle)
- Torn Rotator Cuff
- Shoulder Separation
- Shoulder Dislocation
- Whip Lash
- Neck Strain
- Burner or Stinger of the Neck
- Ankle Sprains
- Turf Toe
- Wrist Sprains
- Finger Fractures
- Wrist tendinitis
- Muscle Strains of the Back
- Low Back Pain
- Herniated Disks
- Backaches and Stress
- Hip Pointer
- Achilles Tendonitis
H.S. football concussions may have long reach
1 in 10 student players has head injury, yet little known about lasting effect
NEW YORK - While headlines focused this week on potential long-term risks of head injuries to pro football players, Jarek Dombrowski was just hoping to get through his school days without the headaches coming back. Read More…
SIMPLE OFF-SEASON QUARTERBACK DRILLS YOU CAN DO ALMOST ANYWHERE
QUARTERBACK BALL HANDLING DRILLS
The first five drills help ball control skills.
Football Quarterback Drill #1
Grip Drill
With palm facing down, the quarterback grips the ball and moves the ball up and down. With each motion, be sure they re-grip the football. After at least 15 reps, repeat drill with the other hand.
Football Quarterback Drill #2
Drop Drill
Extend arm from the body and hold ball with palm facing down. Drop the ball and then re-grip instantly. Bring football back to starting point and repeat at least 15 times. Repeat drill with opposite hand. You can also do both hands at same time by using two footballs.
Football Quarterback Drill #3
Drop and Rotate Drill
Same as the Drop Drill except that as the ball is dropped, the quarterback rotates his hand around the ball before re-gripping it. Perform at least 15 reps with each hand, then try with two hands at the same time.
Football Quarterback Drill #4
Spin Drill
With palm facing down, hold the ball at one end. With a flick of the fingers, give the ball a full back spin so it lands on the back of the hand. With the back of the hand, flick the ball into a full front spin and re-grip the ball with palm facing down again. Do at least 15 reps with each hand.
Football Quarterback Drill #5
Basketball Drill
Just like a basketball point guard, move the ball from hand to hand behind the back and between the legs. Do at least 3 sets that last 25-30 seconds each. Perform this football drill as fast as you can.
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