Injury prevention for young athletes

Football and flag football

Tackling is one of the biggest injury risks in youth football, and most injuries happen in games, not practice.

Injuries to know

Concussions
One of the most common youth football injuries, mostly from tackling or being tackled.
Learn: Concussion →
Knee injuries
The knee is the most commonly injured part of the body in football.
Learn: Knee →
Shoulder injuries
Broken collarbones and shoulder separations, especially for quarterbacks and defensive backs.
Learn: Shoulder →
Heat illness
Heavy sweating in full pads during summer camp can lead to cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke.

Tackle with your head up and lead with your shoulder, never the top of your helmet.
Make sure your helmet, shoulder pads, and mouthguard fit right.
Hits to the head are never okay. A player with concussion signs sits out until a doctor clears them.
Drink water before and after practice, especially at summer camp.

Take these in order. Each lesson takes about 3 minutes.