The prevalence of soccer injuries is a significant concern within the sport, affecting players at all levels. Studies have shown that soccer has one of the highest injury rates among team sports. The most common soccer injuries include strains, sprains, and tears, with the lower extremities, particularly the groin, ankles and knees, being the most commonly affected areas.
The physical demands of soccer, including running, jumping, tackling, and sudden changes in direction, contribute to the risk of injuries. Factors that increase the likelihood of players getting injured on the field include:
- inadequate warm-up;
- fatigue;
- poor conditioning;
- and improper technique.
Addressing the prevalence of soccer injuries requires a multifaceted approach, combining education, proper training techniques, and injury prevention programs. Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic is committed to taking a proactive approach to injury prevention within our local soccer community. By collaborating closely with the area’s soccer clubs, we aim to educate coaches, players, and parents about the importance of injury prevention.
In this post, our Physiotherapist Kurt Schmidt has put together a series of great exercises to help with injury prevention for soccer players of all ages.
The following exercises were largely adapted from the FIFA 11+ program, which was designed to prevent various injuries sustained by soccer players. Research has determined that the FIFA 11+ program reduced the risk of injury in soccer players by anywhere from 30% (Sadigursky et al., 2017) to 70% when consistently performed by athletes. It also has demonstrated significant improvements in neuromuscular and motor performance when used at least 1.5x/week (Barengo et al., 2014). Check out the video below:
We encourage you and your soccer players to incorporate these exercises into your training routine for enhanced injury prevention. However, should you require further guidance or personalized assistance, the skilled therapists at Sheddon, serving both Oakville and Burlington communities, are here to provide individual support and help you stay healthy and perform at your best on the soccer field.
