Injury Prevention

General Injury Prevention & Warm Up Protocols:

For a general, overall injury prevention strategy for field hockey, the following protocols have been found to reduce the injury risk during field hockey.

1. A warm-up period of 10-15mins results in better explosive performance
2. Passive strategies such as heated garments can help to maintain the benefits of a warm-up through transition phases
3. In transition phases longer than 15mins between the end of a warm-up and the start of a game, performing 2min explosive tasks can return arousal back to warm-up levels.
4. At half-time, rest should be avoided and garments that maintain muscle temperature should be used (2)

Pre-Season Screening, Testing & Strength and Conditioning:

As discussed during the strength and conditioning learning concept, there are physical demands of field hockey that underpin performance. 

Players participating in field hockey need a minimum physical, physiological and psychological fitness in order to meet the demands of competition and to reduce the risk of injury (3)

It is recommended that all field hockey players undergo pre-season fitness testing for general strength, aerobic capacity and repeat-sprint ability testing battery as discussed in the strength and conditioning learning concept – https://sportprogram.science.blog/strength-and-conditioning/

As discussed in the strength and conditioning learning concept, some of the on-field physical requirements to play field hockey at the highest level should be tested and improved throughout the early pre-season to provide the greatest potential for improved performance in-season. 

These include:

• Repeat-Sprint Ability (RSA)
• Aerobic Capacity
• High-Intensity Running (HIR)
• Agility
• Change of Direction (COD)
• Maximal Strength
• Grip Strength
• Lower Body Power
• Rotational Power

More information on these variables can be found in the strength and conditioning learning concept – https://sportprogram.science.blog/strength-and-conditioning/

The implementation of a well put together, progressed and periodised strength and conditioning program ensures the best chance for reducing the risk of injury in field hockey.