smart coach and maybe he/she understands sports medicine.
It wouldn’t be that hard to implement either because it can be built into the video equipment lots if teams are using. The issue though is that equipment is still confined to the richer clubs.
In the big picture, most overuse injuries can be prevented. 5 games at tournmanents is certainly an issue. What is missed by most clubs, parents, and the athletes themselves is the importance of an offseason.
While $ certainly does play a role in it (coaches would have to forego training fees), at the higher levels that's not what's driving it. The younger & lower level flight 3/bronze teams, for example, usually do get some time off because people are on vacation (soccer not being as much of a priority) and they can't make roster at certain times of year. The main issue is that Americans for developing pro players actually DON'T have enough training time relative to European academies (which in Europe is multiple games on the weekend, 4-5 days of training for 3-5 hours depending on the country and age of the players). The MLS academies have moved in this direction, which causes the MLS Next teams to have to up their training to compete. But because school is a priority too for American players (it's not as much in Europe because you have to pick between either an academic or athletic track), there's a certain limit to the number of hours in the day they can do it, which causes the season to be spread out. It then trickles down EA/EA2, NPL, Elite 64/Flight 1 etc. And if the season is extended you need some time for tournaments (which parents demand and which do serve a training and testing purpose), tryouts, and to onboard new or promoted players (which at the higher levels now takes place in summer since the season kicks off right away in fall). Europe by contrast goes dark in the mid part of the summer but they do a lot more during the season and school just takes a back seat for academy level players (everyone else plays rec and in the summer everyone is off).
We'll never know, but I'd be interested in how many girls got to play at a college they wouldn't have otherwise had the opportunity to attend because they played that 4th or 5th game (or, even 3rd game) versus how many of them ended up with an injury that kept them out for a significant time because of those games.
What a nice and understanding coach your dd has. I have never met one like that in the great socal area. I just heard of another ACL tear by the way.
Here's something I found - but I don't see corresponding studies. Assuming this is based on real data, it gives useful information - injuries are more likely in games than in training, overuse injuries are most common, and a bit of guidance on rest. Unfortunately, it's not very specific and doesn't reference studies.
www.healthychildren.org
100% on the sleep part K&S. Trying to be the best of best in college and having to study and then practice is not easy for those who demand excellence in all area's of life. My dd watched one of her former teammates cry on tic tok for being so stressed out and the #1 issues was lack of sleep. Road games and mid terms with zero mercy from Professor Asshat. We all know what a true Unicorn is and only those players are welcomed at Big U. I honestly hope and pray for the wellbeing of all the players who risk it all to play the great game. Besides all the physical injures that happen in soccer for over use, the mental agony put on these girls is insane as well and it's horrible twofer, MOO!!!Here's something I found - but I don't see corresponding studies. Assuming this is based on real data, it gives useful information - injuries are more likely in games than in training, overuse injuries are most common, and a bit of guidance on rest. Unfortunately, it's not very specific and doesn't reference studies.
Soccer-Related Injuries in Kids are Rising – What Can Parents Do?
Many high school soccer injuries occur during illegal plays in games. Start enforcing the rules of fair play at an early age, as well as proper, age-appropriate heading techniques to reduce risk of concussion and other injuries. More tips here.
Another thing to be aware of in injury prevention is getting enough sleep.
Generalized studies are hard to come by because of the wide range of injuries. Studies usually focus on specifics. With youth sports, the issue is diagnoses, when to determine soreness VS injury. Kids, especially the high performing ones, tend to want to hide injuries.
My dd best coach overall told his players, "It's up to you to tell me how your doing." Let be honest today. The parents are addicted with watching their player play. Crush got a rush when my little one ran around and played her little heart out. The player has to stand up to dad and the coach and tell them both, "My head hurts and my knee is tight. I can't and will not go back to back. Sorry, but it's my body and my choice."
The NFLPA, having a vested interest in this, took some stats --
wow, those are big numbers.
My totally unproven theory is that its the lack of available round studded shoes (not talking about the indoor turf shoes) and the popularity of the "cool" cleats which are mostly bladed, I think in large part to save weight. But again this is just speculation.
Take a look at prices for PT. You're talking over $100 per visit.
What about this…The NFLPA, having a vested interest in this, took some stats --
"Based on NFL injury data collected from 2012 to 2018, not only was the contact injury rate for lower extremities higher during practices and games held on artificial turf, NFL players consistently experienced a much higher rate of non-contact lower extremity injuries on turf compared to natural surfaces. Specifically, players have a 28% higher rate of non-contact lower extremity injuries when playing on artificial turf. Of those non-contact injuries, players have a 32% higher rate of non-contact knee injuries on turf and a staggering 69% higher rate of non-contact foot/ankle injuries on turf compared to grass."
amp.cnn.com
