Preventing injuries in soccer can be a little tricky, especially if you are new to soccer. However, in this article I will give you 8 tips on what you can do in order to protect yourself better.

1. Stretching

Always stretch before and after your practice or soccer match. You could also stretch in the shower but I would not recommend this as your first choice because you could fall and hurt yourself. So be careful if you really want to stretch in the shower.

2. Body Signals

One important thing you should keep in mind is to listen to your body. If you feel tired don’t practice. Take a day off instead. This will help you recover and you will also be able to perform better on next practice.

A lot of new soccer players are so eager to play that they think more practice is better. This just opens the door to injuries that you don’t want. Avoid it and save your body for many more soccer games to come!

3. Warm Up

Always warm up before a practice or soccer match. This will raise your body temperature and prepare it for physical activity. By warming up you simply tell your body to get ready for hard physical activity.

Don’t kick a soccer ball without warming up first. Kicking a ball without warming up especially in cold weather will cause you unwanted injuries. In worst case you could be forced to stay off the field for 8-10 weeks.

4. Rest

If you feel tired or have pain in some part of your body, try to rest a while. Pain is a warning sign for injury and you should therefore consider it carefully. As I said before: always listen to your body!

5. Sick

You should never practice if you are sick. If you do, you could get an infection on your heart which can hold you off the field for many weeks.

6. Equipment

Always wear shin guards whether you are playing with your friends or in a regular competition.

Summary

It is hard to avoid all types of soccer injuries. Soon or later you will unfortunately get injured. But don’t let an injury discourage you. If you have a bone fracture in your foot for example you will not be able to kick a ball.

But you could do exercises to get stronger stomach muscles. Some injuries in soccer are just bad luck and you have to accept it. Taking care of yourself on and off the field will make it possible to play soccer for many years to come!