Football players have a greater risk of neck injuries compared with athletes in other sports. In football, the neck and spine are often at risk when contact is made with the head while tackling at full speed. By understanding the risks and taking a few steps to condition and protect the neck, players and coaches can make the game safer and help prevent neck injuries.
Step 1
Learn the proper way to tackle and never lead with the helmet. According to Texas's University Interscholastic League, UIL, the head should be kept out of football, meaning you should not use it to hit and you should keep your head up at all times.
Step 2
Train the neck with strengthening exercises using resistance. Neck machines and light barbell plates work as resistance devices. According to the UIL, strong neck muscles can help prevent neck injuries by keeping the head supported and erect during contact.
Step 3
Check to make sure that helmets fit snugly on the head. According to Sports Medicine of Atlanta's checklist, helmets should not move up and down, with the neck bands and jaw pads fitting tightly and preventing any side-to-side motion.
Step 4
Get a physical exam at least once per year to check for neck and head issues ahead of time. According to the UIL, athletes with prior head or neck injuries should receive more attention, and any athletes with problems should be held out of play until the issues are resolved.
Things You'll Need
- Neck weight machines
