🟡 Reduce as a Player 🚦
🟡 WHAT CAN YOU DO AS A PLAYER TO PREVENT CONCUSSIONS IN BASKETBALL? 🏀
As a PLAYER, you have a role on the court to ensure your teammates and opponents have a safe playing environment so we can all enjoy the sport of basketball. As a player, the following tips are to be followed while playing basketball in a game or practice environment.
🏀 UNDERCUTTING
When defending a player on the floor who is driving to the basket on a shot or in the air rebounding, do not undercut a player as this is probably the riskiest move in the game that may lead to serious injuries, including head injuries. All airborne players have the right to land on the floor without another player impeding that space.
🏀 BLOCKING OUT
When blocking a player out while on defense, you still need to allow an opportunity for an opponent to safely land on the floor. Undercutting any player on the floor for any reason is not an acceptable part of the game.
🏀 REBOUNDING
When rebounding the ball on offense or defense, refrain from any excessive swinging of the elbows. While in the key/restricted area, there are a lot of other players around you and a blow to the head by an elbow may lead to a serious concussion to a teammate or opponent.
🏀 CLOSEOUTS
When defending another player, properly 'close out' to contest the shot, but still allow the shooter some safe distance to land on the floor. Poor closeouts can lead to serious injuries including a concussion if the player hits the floor with his/her head.
🏀 SCREENING
When screening another player, keep your elbows within your own “body cylinder”. Grab your wrist with the other hand and cover your groin area then press your elbows to your hips. You may also make two fists and hold them in front of your groin area and press your elbows to your hips. Letting your elbows point out can lead to a defender running at full speed into your elbow unaware and lead to serious injuries including a concussion.
🏀 SQUARING UP
When catching the ball and wanting to square up to the basket, be aware that a defender may crowd the space in front of you. You should not lead with your elbows or try to deter close defense by sweeping your elbows at the defender's head. You can sweep the ball high, low or close to your body if you want to move the ball from one side of your body to the other, as long as you keep your elbows inside your personal space cylinder.
🏀 DEFENSE
When defending a player with the ball, don’t set yourself up for an elbow to the head by overcrowding the space right in front of him/her. They may ‘rip’ the ball from side to side within their “cylinder”. Try to maintain an arm’s length gap while defending a live dribble and half an arm’s length while tracing a dead ball using your arms, bent at the elbows at 90 degrees, as a cushion in between your head and the opposing player with the ball.
🏀 UP AND UNDER MOVES
When using up and under moves (moves that include a shot fake and then sweeping the ball to the other side of the body near head height), be mindful that the defender may be caught out of position or in the air with extra momentum. Try not to lead with your elbows as the defender is out of balance and position to adjust their body and protect themselves. “Up and under” moves increase the speed that an out of position defender may catch an elbow that can lead to serious injury or concussion.
🏀 HONESTY
Be honest with yourself, your parents and your coach if and when you were to be suspected of sustaining a concussion. No game, no matter how big or small, is worth risking your long-term health and well being. Help make basketball a sport for life for everyone!