Injuries have hindered the opportunity for teams to win championships in all levels of football for years.
In 2009, Oklahoma’s shot at a BCS National Championship went out the door when Sam Bradford landed awkwardly on his shoulder against BYU. In 2006, Carson Palmer’s knee injury almost certainly cost the Bengals a shot at beating the Steelers.
And while the injuries in flag football may not be as severe, they can still get in the way of a championship for a worthy team. That’s why the ability to prevent injuries is a make or break point in flag football.
One way to prevent injury is for all players to be on the same page. Too many times receivers run the same route and run into each other, leaving one player with a bruised knee and another with a bloody nose. Preparation, which is almost the key to everything, plays a crucial role in avoiding injury.
And while cramps may not be considered an “injury,” they are able to keep you out of action for a couple of plays. In the flag football world, a couple of plays can be the difference in any game. So as with any sport, stay hydrated, and you won’t run into cramps.
Finally, don’t try to be a hero. As much as it’s good to give 100 percent at all times, don’t dive for a ball that is uncatchable. Don’t dive after a player obviously running into the endzone ahead of you. Injuries happen in all sorts of ways. You need to learn to pick your battles.
Do your teams a favor: Listen to these tips, and stay healthy. You never know, you could be the reason your team wins a flag football championship.
