How Do Lacrosse Injuries Happen? | Coaching

By KalynnAmadio
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A study published in 2005 concerning lacrosse injuries in high school-aged boys and girls concluded that high school lacrosse is a relatively safe sport, with most injuries involving sprains, strains, contusions and abrasions.

Injury data has not demonstrated the need for female lacrosse players to wear helmets however eye protection and mouth guards are necessary. However, male lacrosse players are required to wear helmets, elbow pads, padded gloves, groin cups, chest and shoulder pads. While lacrosse is categorized as a "collision sport" by the NCAA in the same league as football and ice hockey, it has reduced injury rates.

Common Injuries

Lacrosse gloves are padded, but they are more flexible than the gloves hockey players wear. Lacrosse gloves give greater dexterity of the phalanges. Wrist and hand injuries usually occur from a direct blow. Trapped fingers grasping the lacrosse stick are commonly the victim of a fracture from a direct blow.

Fracture to the clavicle and shoulder separations usually occur from collision with another player or by falling onto the shoulder point. The high rate of shoulder injuries as compared to hockey or football is common. Actually, the shoulder is the most frequently injured body part during game play.

Since pads are not worn on the lower body, the areas most frequently injured were the knee, ankle and thigh, all of which in total tallied nearly half of all lacrosse injuries. Knee injuries are the most common in the sport of lacrosse. Rapid dodging to avoid an opponent strains the knees.

Proper Equipment

Men's lacrosse is often perceived as a violent sport. NCAA injury statistics, however, don't support this. Both the NCAA and US Lacrosse set regulations that require players to use protective gear designed to protect the upper body, especially the head. Around 40% of lacrosse injuries are non-contact.

Insurance data of US Lacrosse showed 42% of claims dollars were paid out for knee injuries. Around half of the claims were filed on behalf of high school players. Statistics show that the use of Lacrosse helmets deters catastrophic brain injuries though concussions still occur.

It isn't necessary for women's lacrosse athletes to wear extensive protective gear. The occasional contact in women's lacrosse makes equipment like helmets and chest padding unnecessary. Protection of the face, eyes and mouth, are a necessity while some female players like to wear nose guards and a non-padded style glove.

It is important for coaches and parents to be familiar with the most likely injuries to occur in practice or a game. Having an idea of what injuries are the most common can lead to better treatment and a shorter recovery for the athlete.

About the Author

Kalynn Amadio is a Lacrosse parent. See her complete informational site, Lacrosse-Information to learn more valuable tips on How to Play Lacrosse. Visit the Uber Article Directory to get a totally unique version of this article for reprint.

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