Change of Direction Technique (Injury Prevention as well as Performance Enhancement)
Over the past few years much research has been done on how to reduce the risk of injury in cutting and landing phases of athletic movement. Most researchers agree that the following have a significant effect on the occurrence of lower extremity (ankle and knee) injuries in soccer players.
- Physiologic differences (joint laxity)
- Anatomical differences (pelvic position and/or a narrow intercondylar notch and small ACL)
- Hormonal differences (particular point in a females cycle)
- Gender differences
- Fitness level differences, ect.
In this article, I am proposing something much simpler. Although all of the above may come into play at some point, I notice something else. Fast, healthy athletes change direction differently than slow or injured athletes!
Continue reading