First Aid Website Links

Basketball is a great sport and I as well as you love to participate in this game. Its a great way to have fun and stay in shape. But, in addition to having fun and competitive, we need to be responsible about injuries.

Sprained ankles, jambed knockles, bruises, torn knees, these are all injuries that happen every year in every school. So before you begin a gym session ask yourself the following questions:

1. Is the floor dirty? Is there trash lying around? Is it wet from winter snow.
2. What about equipment left in gym, such as chairs, mats, balance beams, volleyball nets, etc.?
3. Are there cords, ropes or other tripping hazards around?
4. Are there clothes on the floor near the playing area?
5. Shoes tied?

If "yes" is the answer to any of these questions, take action and clean up the area.

In looking at your players are their shoes tied? Do they have grooming instruments in their hair? How about jewelry? Clothing safe? Observe the same ornamentation standards in practice that are enforced in a game. Every coach needs to be proactive in making sure thri gym is safe for all involved.

HOOPZONE Basketball does not intend to instruct you in the practice of first aid. However, in the interest of safety for your children, the following links are provided for your use. First Aid training is available in most cities. Look in your Yellow Pages under First Aid Instruction and First Aid Supplies.

Send us additional information to publish if you have some to offer!

For Injury Situations:
http://www.brianmac.demon.co.uk/injury.htm
http://www.redcross.org/hss/sst2.html
http://www.drugbase.co.za/data/med_info/mi_sport.htm
http://www.varsitylink.com/basketball/training/
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003177.htm

For First Aid On-Line:
http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/
http://www.thriveonline.com/shape/sports.injuries.html
http://www.parasolemt.com.au/
http://personal.cityu.edu.hk/~97483650/

For First Aid Training and Courses:
http://www.worldsplayground.com/
http://www.lessstress.com/trainer.htm
http://www.ets-911.com/

ANKLE STRENGTH
A problem common in the game of basketball is sprained ankles. A good way to strengthen your ankles is to walk on all sides of your feet. Roll your ankles to the outside and walk on the outside of your foot; reverse this and walk on the inside of your foot; then walk on yor toes; finally, walk on your heels. While this won´t completely eliminate ankle sprains, it will help prevent some. 

ALWAYS WARM UP
Be sure to always get in a proper warm up before playing. You should be perspiring after your warm up. Failure to warm up properly will cause you to get winded at the beginning of the game. This can put you at a serious disadvantage. 

STRETCHING
Basketball is a game that requires flexibility. The only way to gain and maintain flexibility is through proper stretching. Stretch all of your muscles before a workout (and after if you are weight training). Stretch to the point of resistance, hold for at least three seconds, then repeat. Do not rock back and forth or bob during stretching. 

DEALING WITH INJURIES
There are a number of things to consider when attempting to come back from injury. First, what part of the season is it? Better to sit out a few days in the preseason than risk further injury. Secondly, the severity of the injury needs to be considered. You may not be able to play at 100%, but you should only come back if you are not risking more serious injury. Finally, you should consult with a trainer or physician when deciding when to come back, 

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