People of all ages, including kids play soccer, the most popular game in the world. The game is enjoyed by millions of people, including both professional and amateur competitors. Despite being renowned for their skilled footwork, soccer players also use their heads, and this technique is known as heading in soccer.
In this technique, a player purposefully strikes the soccer with their head. Heading technique
in soccer is an important game manoeuvre. The player must brace their neck muscles to head a ball. To hit the ball accurately, they must also move their entire body in a single quick motion. Soccer players often repeatedly head the ball gently during drills.
However, they typically head the ball with more force in a competitive context. A player may head the ball six to twelve times on average in a single game. A rising number of people are worried about its safety and possible connection to brain damage. Here we will discuss the potential risks of heading in soccer and some prevention tips for brain damage.
Potential dangers of soccer heading:
Professional players believe that heading in soccer is one of the important soccer skills for kids as well as for adults. However, there is a high risk of head and brain injury, especially in kids when heading. Some injuries are serious enough to result in immediate issues or a few seasons later.
However, its symptoms may also appear gradually after numerous repeated small wounds. Ball-to-head contact can cause several injuries. An injury may also occur when two soccer players head for the same ball and come into contact with each other by accident. Potential dangerous includes:
Concussions:
An extremely forceful hit to the head can result in a concussion, a kind of traumatic brain damage. Concussions account for about 22% of all injuries in soccer. You may lose consciousness or stay awake after a concussion. Other possible signs and symptoms include headache, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, confusion, blurry vision, dizziness, balance issues, nausea, and sensitivity to noise or light.
Sub-concussive injuries:
When someone’s head is hit hard, they can potentially sustain a sub-concussive injury. However, unlike a concussion injury, sub-concussive isn’t severe enough to produce noticeable signs of injury. The damage to the brain is still present, though. Sub-concussive injuries sustained repeatedly over time may accumulate and cause more severe harm.
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative neurological condition, is linked to this kind of repeated head trauma. When someone experiences sub-concussive brain injuries and concussions over a long time, their risk of developing CTE is high.
CTE may develop due to head trauma in various ways, including through diet and genetics. Each person’s symptoms are also different. Potential warning signs include memory problems, impulsive behaviour, lack of self-control, impaired attention, and trouble in planning and performing tasks.
Are little ones at high risk of brain injuries?
Yes, kids are at high risk of getting brain injuries while heading in soccer. That’s because the kids have not completely learned the technique of safe heading in soccer. The majority of time, they will make poor body movements. This increases the chance of brain damage. Their brains are still developing, too. In comparison to the older players, kids’ necks are often weaker. As a result of these factors, kids are more susceptible to the risks of heading in soccer.
Ultimate ways to lower the risk of heading:
There are some ways to lessen the risk of brain injuries in soccer, but the risk cannot be avoided completely. Check out the some outstanding ways to reduce the danger of heading in soccer:
Use the right technique: Your kid’s head can be protected if he develops the proper technique in the early stage. This entails stabilising his neck and body to lessen the dangerous impact.
Wear a helmet: It will be very helpful in reducing the impact. Padding inside the soccer helmet lessens the impact on your kid’s head.
Follow the rules: Your kid should be a good sportsperson and adhere to the rules when playing a game. This lessens the risk of unintentionally hurting your kid or other soccer players.
Use effective coaching: Kids can learn from coaches how to regulate their motions more effectively. Talk to the coach if you are worried about your kid’s brain injury.
Heading in soccer can increase the chances of concussions. Repeated sub-concussive trauma over time can also build up and damage the brain. But you can lessen the risk by developing proper technique and wearing a protective helmet. Visit the specialist immediately if you have suffered a head injury.
