Wellesley United

Soccer Injury Prevention Tips

• Cool down and Stretch- Stretching at the end of practice or a game is too often neglected because of busy schedules. Stretching can help reduce muscle soreness and keep muscles long and flexible. It also gives the team time together and provides some relaxation prior to leaving practice. Click on the link to see a few great stretches to perform after exercise: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheMicheliCenter/videos
• Hydrate- A general recommendation is to drink 24 ounces of non-caffeinated fluid 2 hours before exercise. Drinking an additional 8-ounces of water or sports drink right before exercise is also helpful. While you are exercising, break for an 8 oz. cup of water every 20 minutes.
• Game Ready- Soccer is a very competitive sport which can be mentally tough on an athlete.Before a game, practice positive imagery which can help you perfect a skill you are looking to refine and help reduce negative thoughts by focusing on positive outcomes. 

Research shows that successful athletes use mental imagery.It is one of the most effective performance-enhancement techniques in sports.

• ACL Injury Study
• Best Practices - ACL Injury Prevention for Females
• Concussion Prevention: Preliminary data shows neck strengthening may help reduce risk of a concussion. Click on link for a neck strengthening exercise:

            https://www.youtube.com/user/TheMicheliCenter/videos

The Micheli Center for Sports Injury Prevention offers injury prevention evaluations & prescriptions, ACL & Concussion Prevention and Return to play programs, soccer pre-season workouts, as well as ImPACT baseline testing.Feel free to contact us at 781-373-2760 for all of your soccer injury prevention questions.