What Coaches Need to Know About Injuries on the Court

Scritto da: Chris Hungerford

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Tempo di lettura 4 min

When your players are on the court, you have to look out for their health. Knowing some of the common signs of injury and distress help to ensure that you know when someone needs to be pulled from a game.

Breathing Difficulties

Asthma is a possible cause of breathing difficulties in athletes. However, there are other possible causes that all coaches should know about. Rib or chest trauma might negatively impact a player’s breathing. Heart conditions can also be an underlying cause, such as long QT syndrome, which is characterized by erratic heartbeats and may result in breathing issues, sudden seizures, or fainting.

Fainting

Fainting is a sign of brain injury. Depending on the severity, this type of injury can sometimes be life-threatening, so it is imperative that you immediately evaluate your player. This type of injury often occurs as a result of a direct blow to the head. The following are other possible symptoms of a head or brain injury:

  • Headache
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Delayed response to questions
  • Temporary loss of consciousness
  • Amnesia
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Slurred speech
  • Fatigue
  • Appearing dazed

Limited Range of Motion

This can affect just about any area of the body, but the legs are most often affected in basketball. It is typically due to a sprain or strain. These vary in their severity. A strain is an injury where a tendon or muscle is fully or partially torn. A sprain is an injury where a ligament is fully or partially torn.

Odd Movements of the Head

If you notice players moving their head in an abnormal way, this could indicate a head or eye injury. These typically occur due to someone getting hit in the head or eye during the game. These injuries can range from minor to severe. All instances need to be evaluated right away to determine the seriousness of the injury.

Reduced Shooting Ability

If you notice that a player is struggling to shoot the ball, this could indicate a hand or wrist injury. Strains and sprays are common. However, it is not uncommon for players to also experience fractures. These are most often seen after players fall and land on their hand or wrist.


If you notice any of your players exhibiting these symptoms, call for a time-out right away. A doctor should promptly evaluate them to determine the extent of their injury.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the well-being of your players should always be a top priority when they step onto the court. Recognizing the signs of injuries and distress is crucial for any coach to ensure the safety and health of their athletes during games. From breathing difficulties to fainting, odd movements of the head, and reduced shooting ability, a range of symptoms can indicate potential injuries that demand immediate attention.

Breathing difficulties, which may arise from causes beyond just asthma, should be taken seriously. Fainting, often a consequence of head trauma, requires immediate evaluation to rule out severe brain injury. Limited range of motion, especially in the legs, could be a result of strains or sprains and must not be ignored. Odd movements of the head may point to head or eye injuries, necessitating prompt assessment. Reduced shooting ability might indicate hand or wrist injuries, which could be more severe than initially apparent.

When observing any of these symptoms in your players, it's imperative to call for a timeout and have a medical professional evaluate them promptly. The well-being of your players should always come first, and a thorough assessment can determine the extent of the injury and guide appropriate treatment. By staying vigilant and informed about potential signs of injuries, coaches can create a safer and more supportive environment for their athletes on the court.

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Coaches Need to Know About Injuries on the Court

Coaches Need to Know About Injuries on the Court

Coaches Need to Know About Injuries on the Court