INJURY PREVENTION
Take precautionary measures when trying something new . An athlete should MASTER a skill prior to attempting on a more difficult surface . Mastery means you are able to perform the skill 10 out of 10 times .
SURFACE PROGRESSION COULD LOOK LIKE THIS BUT MAY BE ALTERED BASED ON THE INDIVIDUAL AND / OR AVAILABILITY OF THESE SURFACES .
TRAMPOLINE OR DRILLS USING TUMBLING AIDS ( decline mat , panel mat , barrell , etc .) |
TUMBLE TRACK |
AIR FLOOR / TRACK |
ROD FLOOR TO RESI |
SPRING FLOOR WITH RESI |
SPRING FLOOR WITHOUT RESI |
• A spotter can / should be used as a precautionary measure in case something were to go wrong . He or she should not be
A spotter can / should be used as a precautionary measure in case doing the skill for the athlete . This is not safe for the athlete or the spotter . An athlete should request a spotter for safety purposes when attempting a new skill on a new surface .
• Take adequate breaks to reduce fatigue and replenish fluids . Exhaustion can lead to injury .
• If an athlete has a recurring injury ( such as ankle weakness , etc .), a brace or tape can be used to stabilize and reduce the risk of re-injury . This should be coupled with exercises to strengthen the ligaments and tendons .
• Do not push through the pain . Because of the nature of our sport , in that we don ’ t often have alternates , many athletes have felt pressure by their coaches / parents / themselves to push through the pain . This is extremely unsafe for the athlete . Not allowing yourself to full recovery could worsen the injury .
• Make sure first aid is readily available .
• Warm up muscles with light aerobic exercise to get the muscles warm . Do not do a heavy stretch until post workout . Consult with a coach prior to attempting a skill to make sure muscles are strong enough to be able to potentially execute the skill . An athlete should have mastery of all skills in the skillset for the level prior to the skill he or she is wishing to obtain .
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