Anything you do in life can result in an accidental injury. Walk through the house while texting, for example, and you can flip over the coffee table and break your collar bone.

Athletes know better than anyone how injury can affect not only each game, but the championship game and the shot at a scholarship. It’s always important to take care of your body, but here at the Basketball Goal Store, we believe it’s got to be a priority when you play basketball.

Being aware of safety even during pick-up games or just practicing free throws under a Goalrilla Goal on your basketball court at home is as important as game play.

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, injuries such as stress fractures, Achilles heel, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis and shin splints can develop into chronic physical conditions due to recurrent injury and over use.

Something many players don’t quite understand is that an injury- if it’s serious enough- can take the entire game away from you for weeks, months or even always. It’s important to remember to swallow your ego and leave the game when you are hurt. Continuing to play a quarter even though your ankle is swollen or your knee is throbbing doesn’t make you a hero, it makes you a bench warmer for the next game – or longer. So if you’re on the court, let the coach know you’ve been injured and take a seat to rest. It gives the coach time to assess your injury.

If you’ve played a neighborhood game and limped home with a twisted ankle, follow this advice:

• Immediately place ice on the injury
• Elevate the injury
• Get lots of rest
• Reduce activity
• Take anti-inflammatory (Check with mom or dad first to see what is best for you.)
• See your family physician if necessary

Basketball is fun – and is meant to be exercise and fun. Do your best to prevent injuries and take care of injuries that happen right away. That way, you stay in the game!

-Pat of the Basketball Goal Store Blog Team