Injury Prevention Strategies in International Football

Description

The presentation by Steve Kemp focuses on the nuances of injury prevention strategies in international football, contrasting them with those of the Premier League and national sports. With over 20 years of experience, including significant involvement in World Cup tournaments, Kemp emphasizes three core takeaways: 1) the greatest ability of an athlete is their availability—keeping them on the pitch is crucial; 2) without measurement, effective management of injury risks is unattainable; and 3) while injuries cannot be predicted, mitigation is possible through a keen understanding of risk factors. Kemp discusses the complexity of injuries, the importance of working with high-risk groups rather than individuals, and the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that contribute to injury. He outlines specific methods employed to enhance athletes' physical capabilities, such as strength training, analyzing performance metrics, and daily monitoring of athlete well-being, all aimed at reducing injury rates and improving overall performance.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-210674

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