What is Flag Football?
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What is Flag Football?
The quick answer is flag football is best described as a non-contact version of American football. Flag football has multiple different formats and variations. Other areas are men’s only division, women’s only division, and co-ed divisions. Most flag football league carries the same principles as American football.
The biggest difference is that instead of tackling the ball carrier, flag football players pull off flags of players carrying the ball. The game of flag football allows athletes of all levels of experience and genders to participate. It offers multiple formats and divisions that best suit your playing ability or style.
The game of flag football is becoming widely popular. It is a safer alternative than American football. It offers non-contact, and a lower rate of significant injuries
What is Flag Football?
What Injuries Occur in Flag Football?
The most common injuries in flag football are:
- Ankle Injuries– An ankle sprain is the most common injury. Ankle sprains occur by rolling the ankle over the outside of the foot. The mechanism of injury could be planting the foot for a change of direction. This can occur while running, jumping, landing on foot or stepping on another player’s foot.
- Knee Injuries
Ankle sprains are one of the most common flag football injuries
– ACL or meniscus tear. ACL and meniscus tears are common in American football due to the high intensity and contact of the sport. However, they are just as common in flag football and can still occur in a non-contact sport. Mechanism of injury could be a forceful twist of the knee, hyperextension, colliding with another player. Most injuries occur when you are trying to pull the flag on the ball carrier.
- Concussions– this is not as commonly seen in flag football but can still occur If two players collide heads while attempting to pull a flag on an opposing player. Flag football does not offer any head protection while playing (helmets), so these injuries can still occur if players are not careful.
Is it Safe to Play Flag Football with COVID-19 Still Present?
What is flag football?
Players sports outside during Covid 19 is certainly safer than indoor sports. Unfortunately, you can not practice social distancing with flag football. So, you should use caution if you are looking to play. You should not play if you are not feeling well or have a high fever. You should also practice good hygiene such as sanitizing or washing your hands frequently.
How Can I Get Back in Shape Before the Season?
The quick answer, offseason preparation is vital before returning to any sport. Offseason training should focus on mobility, strength, explosiveness, and conditioning. These four components will better prepare the player for the upcoming season and help reduce injury.
- Mobility- mobilize your joints, warm up the muscles, increase your range of motion
- Strength- build muscle and joint stability
- Explosiveness- the focus on improving quick, explosive, and powerful movements
- Conditioning- improving your workload capacity and increasing cardiovascular endurance
Sports Medicine Specialists in Jacksonville
JOI has a dedicated team of physicians that are dedicated to your orthopedic treatment. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms, JOI can help. JOI offers 5 MD locations that are located throughout the northeast Florida area. To schedule an appointment with an orthopedic specialist, call 904-JOI-2000 or schedule online.
Related Links: Preventing Football Injuries and Football Injuries.
JOI Rehab also offers physical therapy in numerous areas in northeast Florida. To schedule with JOI Rehab, please call 904-858-7045.