Understanding the Injuries | CoachThem

Select your default language

English
Understanding the Injuries

Understanding the Injuries

As the season gets into the final stages before playoffs—the body of a hockey player takes its toll. It is essential as the coach to recognise if a player is hurt or injured.

If you're hurt, the old days of "suck it up, and get back out there" can still apply, but if your player has been injured, then that changes everything. The game has never been faster and more competitive as now, a simple small injury can lead to a lifetime of pain and regret.

Ice hockey is a finesse sport that requires a unique combination of speed, power, and teamwork. As a result, players are at risk for specific injury patterns—some of them avoidable.

The chance of sustaining an injury depends on many variables, including the level of participation, player position, protective equipment, violent behaviour, and personal susceptibility due to pre-existing injuries and style of play. Injuries occur much more frequently in games and increase with each level of participation.

 

Sports coaching software, Practice planning app, Hockey coaching drills, Soccer coaching drills, Lacrosse coaching drills, CoachThem iOS App, Mobile coaching tools, Team practice planner, Coaching platform for hockey, soccer, and lacrosse, Sports practice management software

 

Fortunately, the overwhelming majority of hockey injuries are mild. Most injuries involve the soft tissues: bruises, muscle strains, ligament tears, and cuts. Serious injuries are possible and players should avoid dangerous tactics.

Just as you are using CoachThem to plan your practices and draw your drills for the season, you can also take the step of preparation to avoid any serious injuries:

  • Obtaining a preseason screening examination by an experienced athletic trainer or physician to identify existing injuries and uncover deficiencies.
  • Participating in a sports-specific conditioning program to avoid physical overload.
  • Obtaining high-quality equipment that fits well and is not damaged, worn-out, or undersized.
  • Following injury and treatment, a post-injury evaluation ensures successful healing and guides safe return to play.

The hardest part of any player injury is the timing of coming back to play at game speed. In some cases, that player may be the best player on the team, so the anticipation and pressure to come back early is always present. As a coach, it's your duty to make sure that that player is 100% healed and ready to play. Coming back early will always result in a worst injury hurting both the team and the player more in the long run.

 

Download CoachThem on iOS and start building drills on the go

 

Written by Robb Tallas and the CoachThem Team

 

Ditch the pen and paper! Sign up or log in to create professional digital drills in minutes.

Join CoachThem Rewards to earn money by referring other coaches and growing our coaching community!
 

Create professional practice plans with CoachThem. Free trial available!

Recommended Posts

Playing Fast: Developing Quick Puck Support, Early Play Termination, and Rapid Transition in Hockey

Playing Fast: Developing Quick Puck Support, Early Play Termination, and Rapid Transition in Hockey

Learn three effective ice hockey drills from a SPHL coach that develop faster puck support, defensive play termination, and offensive transitions for all skill levels.

5 Drills to Elevate Your Team’s Game

5 Drills to Elevate Your Team’s Game

Level up your practices with five pro-style drills from Mitch Giguere! Watch videos, get insights, and learn how to refine your team's skills with detailed breakdowns. Check them out on CoachThem!

Empowering the Future: CoachThem’s Ongoing Support for the NHLCA Female and BIPOC Coaches Programs

Empowering the Future: CoachThem’s Ongoing Support for the NHLCA Female and BIPOC Coaches Programs

Discover how CoachThem supports the NHLCA Female and BIPOC Coaches Programs, empowering coaches with mentorship, resources, and complimentary access to innovative coaching tools.