Key Lessons from the Club Championships Semifinals

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The Manly Club Championships featured two competitive singles semifinals on Court 1 last week, with excellent tennis conditions marred slightly by the challenging sun in the later match, particularly for serves from the southern end.
In the first match, Rimmo defeated Sean, while in the second, Andre prevailed over Oliver. Both victors demonstrated a clear tactical advantage by taking control of rallies early, often using a deep, well-placed bunt return on the service return to seize the initiative. This neutralizing approach in returning, coupled with solid baseline play, proved decisive.
Both matches saw ALL players relying heavily on powerful first serves to earn quick points. However, missed first serves frequently invited the receiver into a rally from the kick second serve, leading to a higher-than-usual number of service breaks.
In his match, Rimmo was content to draw Sean into extended rallies, often resetting points with a backhand slice even though it allowed Sean to move aggressively inside the baseline. Sean, an agile player, might have benefited from finishing points earlier, by adopting a more assertive approach, the “Nadal variation” to finish the point.
Conversely, Andre used his height and powerful ground strokes to consistently pressure Oliver. By drawing short balls from Oliver, Andre was able to transition forward, either finishing points with a well-placed ground stroke or setting up an easy volley. Andre’s volleys remain an area for potential improvement. Oliver did not capitalize on opportunities to apply pressure with angled passing shots or lobs, particularly given the challenging sun conditions.
Rimmo’s game was anchored by his world-class backhand and impressive retrieval skills, which consistently frustrated his opponent. However, his tendency to muscle his serves raised concerns about the risk of re-injury to his shoulder.
Both winners established an early control on most points, setting the tone for their respective matches. In contrast, Sean and Oliver spent too much time engaging in powerful baseline exchanges, with many shots landing well inside the baseline, allowing their opponents comfortable rally balls. Effective shot depth was noticeably absent, with few shots driving opponents onto their back foot to elicit errors or short balls.
Both players missed valuable opportunities to attack from inside their respective ghost lines, frequently choosing passive rally shots instead of taking control of the point. Their approach emphasized executing a solid stroke rather than strategically setting up the point through varied shot combinations and intentional court placements.
All players aimed to secure quick points through first-serve winners, but as the balls wore down, opponents gradually adjusted to the serve’s pace, making returns easier, particularly in the match’s later, critical stages. Employing variety in serve placement, speed, and spin proves far more effective in disrupting an opponent’s timing on the return. Over-reliance on raw power for first serves not only raises error rates but also forces players into hitting a greater percentage of second serves. It’s often said that a player’s game is only as strong as their second serve.
Finally, neither Sean nor Oliver seemed to recognize their opponents’ passive approach to first serve returns. Implementing serve-and-volley tactics could have transformed these rallies, and a well-placed serve and follow-up volley could have created straightforward winners.

Tennis in the Age of Extreme Heat: Tennis4Life

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Extreme heat poses a growing threat to tennis players, pushing the limits of human endurance and necessitating critical adjustments to match schedules, player preparation, and tournament policies to ensure safety on the court.
The future implications of extreme heat for tennis players hinge on how heat affects human physiological limits and current tournament heat policies. With rising global temperatures, players will face conditions potentially beyond human tolerance, especially given that scientists now believe core body temperature rises uncontrollably at lower wet bulb temperatures than previously thought. For example, heatwaves in regions such as India, the Persian Gulf, and parts of the United States could increasingly hit 31°C wet bulb temperatures, a level potentially lethal even for healthy individuals within hours under sustained exposure.
In practical terms, tennis governing bodies may need to reassess heat policies and enforce stricter protective measures. Current heat rules typically allow for pauses or match rescheduling under extreme heat, but the risk to players’ safety may require more stringent, preventative action as dangerous wet bulb thresholds become common. This could mean earlier match suspensions, shorter on-court playing times, or limiting certain tournament hours to avoid the hottest parts of the day, particularly in vulnerable regions.
Further, prolonged extreme heat exposure can hinder player performance and recovery, requiring a shift in pre-match preparation and acclimatization routines to handle heat stress. Enhanced training on hydration strategies, cooling techniques, and mental preparation under heat pressure will also be crucial. Given that adverse effects are felt well before the human threshold, tournament organizers will need to integrate these strategies into their protocols proactively.
Source:  Why Heat Waves of the Future May Be Even Deadlier Than Feared, NYT 25 Oct

The Silent Threat of Retinal Detachment: Tennis4Life

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Last week, I underwent laser surgery to repair a small tear in my left eye. Unfortunately, the situation escalated when liquid penetrated under the retina after surgery, causing more floaters and requiring additional surgeries.

The risk of retinal detachment, a severe condition affecting about 1 in every 300 people, became very real to me. Without timely intervention, this condition can lead to permanent vision loss.

Understanding Retinal Detachment

The retina, a thin layer at the back of the eye, plays a vital role in capturing images and sending them to the brain. Retinal detachment occurs when the retina separates from the back of the eye due to fluid seeping underneath, which typically follows a retinal tear. Common causes include eye trauma, infections, or complications from surgery.

Risk Factors

As we age, the risk of retinal detachment increases due to changes in the vitreous fluid in the eye. Other risk factors include extreme nearsightedness, family history, genetic conditions and previous eye surgeries or injuries, particularly in sports such as tennis.

Warning Signs

Retinal detachment is painless, making it hard to detect without being aware of the symptoms. Some key signs include:
– Sudden flashes of light when moving the eyes
– Increased floaters in one eye
– A shadow or curtain spreading across your vision
– Distorted vision

Prevention

Regular eye exams are essential to catch issues early. Protect your vision by living a healthy lifestyle, exercising, and using protective eye wear.

Tennis players often focus on physical fitness and match strategy, but remember to take care of your eyes, as vision is crucial for performance.

If you notice any unusual changes, consult an eye specialist immediately—early action could save your vision!

Want to learn more about the critical role vision plays in tennis? Click links below for further reading.

United Cup 2024 Launch

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The United Cup is a mixed-gender tennis competition that brings together teams from 18 countries. The event, launched in 2022, is played on hard courts across multiple Australian cities—most notably in Sydney and Perth—and serves as a lead-up to the Australian Open.

The United Cup features both men and women in a unique team format where each tie consists of one men’s singles match, one women’s singles match, and a mixed doubles match. This innovative format allows both ATP and WTA players to compete together for ranking points and significant prize money.

The event offers a substantial prize pool of $10 million, split between the ATP and WTA tours, with a maximum of 500 ranking points available for individual players based on their performance. The tournament is set up in a round-robin format, with group winners advancing to the knockout stages and finals

The next edition of the United Cup will take place from December 29, 2024, to January 7, 2025, with teams like Poland, the USA, Greece, and others competing.

Photo Credit: Peter Staples

Success Starts in the Mind: Don’t Get Beaten Without a Racket

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Handling disruptive tactics requires mental strength, focus, and preparation.

Here’s a general approach to deal with opponents trying to throw you off your game and beat you without using a racket:

1. Stay Focused on What You Can Control

You can’t control your opponent’s behavior, but you can control your reactions. When they try to distract you, remind yourself to focus on your own game—your footwork, your next shot, or your strategy. Ignore everything else.

2. Stick to Your Routine

Having a solid between-points routine helps block out distractions. Whether it’s bouncing the ball a certain number of times before serving, adjusting your strings, or taking a deep breath, this keeps you grounded and focused on the next point.

3. Don’t Engage in Their Drama

Whether it’s arguing, celebrating excessively, or making comments, don’t get pulled into their game. Stay calm and avoid talking back or showing frustration. The more you stay composed, the less power they have over you.

4. Use Mental Reset Techniques

If you feel yourself getting frustrated, take a moment to reset mentally. Deep breathing, visualizing positive outcomes, or simply pausing before your serve can help you regain focus.

5. Stay Aggressive in Your Play

Cheating, slowing down play, or distractions are easier to pull off when the points are close. Stay aggressive and play with confidence. By dominating the points, you leave less room for them to exploit you.

6. Be Prepared for Mind Games

Know that certain opponents will try these tactics, especially in competitive matches. Expect it and be ready. When it happens, you won’t be surprised, and you’ll be mentally prepared to deal with it.

7. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

If your opponent’s tactics cross the line—such as cheating or delaying too much—don’t hesitate to call for an umpire or ask a tournament official for assistance. You don’t have to handle it all alone.

When you feel frustration building, use it as fuel to play even better. Let it drive you to focus more sharply and move more aggressively. Turning frustration into positive energy can help you stay in control of the match.

In general, your opponent can only throw you off your game if you allow it. Stay mentally strong, focus on your game plan, and rise above their attempts to distract or frustrate you.

While technique and physical ability are crucial, your mental game is often what separates winners from losers, especially in high-pressure situations. At the end of the day, you’re not just battling with your opponent’s shots—you’re also battling your own mindset. Victory is often won in the mind before it’s won on the court.

Don’t let your opponent beat you without using a racket.

USPTA Rebrands To RSPA, Expands To Support All Racquet Sports

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Organization Broadens Focus to Industry Career Support

September 19, 2024 | By Press Release

The United States Professional Tennis Association  (USPTA) – the leading trade organization for tennis professionals since 1927, announced today that it has rebranded to the Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA). This change positions the RSPA to elevate and support a broad spectrum of careers across the entire racquet sports industry.

As the RSPA, the organization continues to expand its teaching certification programs to train professionals in numerous racquet sports including tennis, pickleball, padel, squash and platform tennis. In addition to certification programs, the RSPA will offer a full spectrum of career advancement support for all racquet sports professionals, both on and off the court.

“The change from USPTA to RSPA is about staying on the cutting edge of our industry and leading change by providing the highest level of value possible to our members,” said RSPA CEO Brian Dillman. “Our racquet sports are dynamic—constantly growing and adapting—and as our industry moves forward, we are doing the same. The decision to rebrand and realign our values was fueled by our members. We listened closely to feedback, and the consensus was clear: we needed to expand our support to all racquet sports, both on and off the court.”

RSPA members now have access to certifications in five different racquet sports under one unified association. All USPTA memberships are now considered RSPA memberships, and members certified in any racquet sport can get certified in another by attending one of the RSPA’s nationally available workshops. Teaching professionals who want to get certified by the RSPA for the first time can join the association through any of RSPA’s available racquet sport certification programs: tennis, pickleball, padel, platform and squash. The organization is also rolling out future-focused, personalized training programs that blend on-court expertise with off-court skills like business management and leadership, personal development and more.

“We’re elevating the prestige of a racquet sports career with advanced personal and professional development. We know that racquet sports are made up of many different people who contribute to a community to enjoy, teach, watch, support and advance the sports we love,” said Dillman. “There is a wide world of opportunities for anyone who is passionate to help grow the racquet sports industry, and the RSPA, like a true ally, empowers our professionals by helping them reach their full potential—both on and off the court.”

Using Caffeine to Optimize Mental & Physical Performance: Huberman

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Caffeine is one of the most commonly consumed substances worldwide, renowned for its ability to increase alertness, boost mood, and enhance both mental and physical performance.

In a recent newsletter, the Huberman Lab Neural Network explained the science behind caffeine’s effects on the brain and body was explored, offering practical tips on how to harness its benefits through personalized dosing, timing, and smart consumption strategies.

Whether you’re looking to improve focus, stamina, or overall well-being, understanding how to effectively use caffeine can be a powerful tool for optimizing performance in daily life. Here’s a quick summary from the newsletter.

Caffeine Dosage & Schedule:

– Start with 1-3 mg of caffeine per kilogram of body weight.
– Caffeine content varies in beverages (50-800 mg).
– Avoid excessive use to prevent headaches, anxiety, and other side effects.
– Hydrate with water and electrolytes to mitigate caffeine’s diuretic effects.
– Theanine can reduce anxiety or jitteriness from caffeine.

Timing Tips:

– Delay caffeine intake 90-120 minutes after waking to avoid an afternoon crash.
– Avoid caffeine within 10-12 hours of bedtime to protect sleep.
– Caffeine’s peak effects occur ~30 minutes after consumption.

Sleep & Caffeine:

– Caffeine blocks adenosine, reducing sleepiness but may disrupt deep and REM sleep if consumed too late. Its effects last for hours, so avoid it 10-12 hours before bed.

Mental & Physical Performance:

– Caffeine boosts dopamine and other catecholamines, enhancing mood, alertness, and reducing depression risk.
– It improves physical performance, increasing endurance, strength, and coordination.

Tools for Caffeine Use:

– Caffeine Abstinence: Abstain for 3-20 days to maximize caffeine’s performance benefits on key days.
– Dopamine Stacking Caution: Avoid excessive dopamine boosts from combining caffeine, music, or supplements frequently, as this can lead to a dopamine crash and low motivation.
– Use Caffeine to Reinforce Positive Behaviors: Pair caffeine with healthy habits, like exercise, to enhance motivation, but avoid pairing it with cravings like sugar to prevent reinforcement.

These strategies can help optimize mental and physical performance through informed caffeine use.

HOW THE PROS POLISH PADDLE POWER: SMH

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TABLE TENNIS
Jordan Baker, SMH 5Aug
If table tennis Olympian Nicholas Lum had used a backyard table and a store-bought racquet, he’d wouldn’t be in Paris. ‘‘ It’s like asking Mick Fanning to surf on an ironing board,’’ says his coach, Jens Lang.
A hand-carved racquet costs Lum more than $1000 and he buys special rubber for his bat at $100-plus a throw. He plays on meticulously measured tables.
He trains for nine months a year at a German academy akin to the champion factory that produced Andre Agassi. Australia might be big on pingpong , the casual version kids play in parks and tech bros put in offices , but it’s a laggard in table tennis, the serious form. It has none of the professional leagues common in Europe and Asia.
Still, Australians tend to think they’re great at it – and even better after a few beers. Lum’s a good sport about the chest-beating backyard warriors that talk a big game. ‘‘ We’re not offended,’’ he says, when they call it ping-pong .
Table tennis has had a celebrity moment in Paris after American basketballers Stephen Curry and Anthony Edwards struck up a friendship with the US team on the opening-ceremony boat when Edwards trash-talked them about his ping-pong prowess.
Lum’s been hit up for games at the Olympic village table by fellow Australian athletes, swimmers and sprinters among them. One runner, who gets annoyed when people ask her to race them, asked whether Lum gets irritated when people ask him for games. He doesn’t . ‘‘ For us, it’s fun,’’ says the 19-year-old . ‘‘ I mean, it’s not so much energy we’re putting into playing.’’ Normally, Lum and teammate Min Hyung Jee, 37, put a lot of energy into playing.
They train at the table for six hours a day over two sessions. They practise shots over and over, then some more. The ball is so fast, said Lang, that even a split-second reaction is too slow. ‘‘ You need to train so that your movements are automatic,’’ he says. ‘‘ A lot of repetition.’’
The players also train at the gym because a strong core is essential. ‘‘ Hand-eye coordination is very important,’’ he said. ‘‘ Athleticism, quick, explosive movements – that’s extremely important. Core strength. Stability.’’
Table tennis players have a long shelf life. Luxembourg’s Ni Xialian competed in her sixth Olympics at age 61. Chile’s Zeng Zhiying made her Olympic debut at 58, 40 years after narrowly missing selection for Los Angeles. But that doesn’t mean the rest of us can pick up a bat and aim for Brisbane 2032. ‘‘ Even if you start at 20 you’re not going to get anywhere in table tennis,’’ Lang says. ‘‘ If you want a medal at the Olympic Games you need to start at five or six. Table tennis is an unbelievably competitive sport at the international level.’’ China, Japan and France top the rankings (a 17-year-old Frenchman, Felix Lebrun, is the world No.5).
Lum’s father was a passionate table tennis player and he started early. Now he spends most of his time at the German academy, and will play overseas because even the best Australian players can’t make a living at home. Jee picked it up at nine years old. A coach spotted her natural talent and she’s been playing ever since. She doesn’t need a day job because there are professional leagues throughout Europe and Asia (she has played for a French team). Lang, who was semi-professional in his native Germany, is determined to get Australia serious about table tennis, to spot talent early and nurture it, and to increase the opportunities for people to play not just for fun but for success. ‘‘
There’s heaps of opportunities in the sport in Australia,’’ he says. Lum competes in the men’s team event today, and Jee in the women’s team on Tuesday.

Yoga for Tennis Eyes

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Enhancing Visual Performance on the Court

Incorporating eye yoga into your tennis training can significantly enhance your visual performance, helping you react quicker and more accurately to the fast-paced game. Here’s how you can integrate yoga specifically for your eyes into your tennis routine.

The Benefits of Eye Yoga for Tennis Players

1. Improved Focus and Concentration: Eye yoga exercises can help you maintain better focus on the ball, improving your reaction times and shot accuracy.

2. Enhanced Peripheral Vision: Regular practice can expand your peripheral vision, allowing you to better anticipate your opponent’s moves.

3. Reduced Eye Strain: These exercises can reduce eye strain and fatigue, especially useful during long matches or training sessions.

Key Eye Yoga Exercises for Tennis Players

1. Palming
– How to Do It: Rub your palms together to generate heat and place them gently over your closed eyes without applying pressure. Hold for 30 seconds to a minute.
– Benefits: Relaxes the eye muscles and relieves strain.

2. Eye Rolling
– How to Do It: Sit comfortably and roll your eyes in a circular motion. First clockwise, then counterclockwise, for about 30 seconds each.
– Benefits: Enhances the flexibility of eye muscles and improves blood circulation.

3. Focus Shifting
– How to Do It: Hold your thumb about 10 inches from your face. Focus on your thumb, then shift your focus to an object about 10-20 feet away. Repeat this for a minute.
– Benefits: Improves focus and concentration.

4. Near and Far Focusing
– How to Do It: Focus on your thumb held at arm’s length, then shift your focus to a distant object. Repeat for 2-3 minutes.
– Benefits: Enhances the ability to quickly switch focus between near and far objects, crucial for tracking the ball.

5. Diagonal Viewing
– How to Do It: Look up and to the right, then down and to the left. Repeat in the opposite direction. Perform for 1-2 minutes.
– Benefits: Strengthens the eye muscles used for diagonal movements, aiding in following the ball’s trajectory.

Incorporating Eye Yoga into Your Tennis Routine

1. Warm-Up Routine: Integrate these exercises into your pre-match or training warm-up to prepare your eyes for the game.
2. Cool-Down Routine: Perform these exercises post-match to relax and rejuvenate your eyes, helping in faster recovery.
3. Consistency: Practice these exercises regularly, not just on match days, to build and maintain strong visual skills.

PLEASE NOTE while eye exercises can enhance the sensorimotor vision process, they are not a substitute for medical treatments for more severe eye conditions.

Incorporating eye yoga into your tennis training regimen can significantly enhance your visual and mental acuity on the court. Regular practice can lead to improved focus, reduced eye strain, and better overall performance, making it an essential addition to any competitive player’s toolkit.

Toughest Feat in Tennis

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Players often say that the toughest feat in tennis is to win the French Open and Wimbledon in the same year. Alcaraz has a shot at it this year.

It’s a monumental challenge, requiring players to dominate the grueling, high-bouncing clay of Roland Garros—basically the tennis equivalent of playing on quicksand—before swiftly adapting to the slick, fast grass courts of Wimbledon, where the ball skims just above the grass. Here’s a fun trivia question: How many men and women have managed to join this exclusive double club?

Rod Laver pulled it off once in the modern era of tennis, which kicked off in 1968. Bjorn Borg managed it three times. Rafael Nadal did it twice. Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic have each done it once. That’s it for the men.

For the women, Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong, Billie Jean King, and Chris Evert each did it once. Martina Navratilova and Serena Williams both did it twice. Steffi Graf, though, achieved it four times. That’s the complete list.

Tiebreaks & Swiatek

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Iga Swiatek, currently the world’s top tennis player, just added an exhilarating chapter to her career. She now boasts 20 WTA Tour titles, including four Grand Slams, and has been the world’s top player for over 100 weeks. Recently, she conquered a new milestone—winning a deciding-set tiebreak.

In an epic final against Aryna Sabalenka, the world No 2, Swiatek saved three match points on her way to victory, pushing her head-to-head advantage to 7-3. This was only her third deciding set tiebreak in her professional career, having previously faced tough losses in such scenarios. But this time, in a Masters final no less, she showcased her resilience and tactical prowess.

Swiatek’s knack for turning a slight lead into an unassailable advantage is legendary. Yet, what stood out in this match was her capacity to thrive under intense pressure, a skill she’s had less need to display due to her dominant play style. This victory was a testament to the high caliber of women’s tennis in 2024, making it a phenomenal showcase for fans and a thrilling achievement for Swiatek herself. After the match, she reflected on the experience, noting, “It’s going to give me some wisdom,”—a statement that hints at even greater things to come from this formidable champion.

Tennis4Life: Injuries in Female Athletes

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Female athletes are continually pushing boundaries, achieving new milestones, and redefining what it means to excel in their respective fields. However, among the triumphs and celebrations, there lies a less discussed but crucial aspect of their journey – injuries in female athletes.

What injuries are female athletes more likely to sustain?

Risk of different injuries is affected by athletes age and chosen sport. On the whole, females are at higher risk of the following.

Bone stress fractures

Twice as likely in females compared to males. Stress fractures are particularly prevalent among running athletes as well as females with low BMI, late menarche and low bone mineral density. Prevention strategies should start early in sport participation and should include appropriate nutrition (particularly calcium and vitamin D) and management of the Triad/RED-S (see below), alongside technique training and appropriate scheduling of exercise to alleviate stress on the affected bone.

ACL injuries

Females have 1.5-2 times high risk than males. ACL injuries are more prevalent in sports with pivoting and landing, such as soccer and gymnastics. Biomechanical differences in knee anatomy and forces across the ACL, particularly when landing, increase the risk. Prevention strategies include neuromuscular and technique training to optimise control in landing and cutting movements. Adolescents who focus on one sport, should consider diversifying training across multiple sports for better overall motor and athletic development.

Concussion

Females have a 0.5-2.5% higher likelihood of concussion, particularly in collision and contact sports. It’s theorised that females have increased risk due to smaller neck size and less strength compared to head size, reducing the ability to absorb forces compared to male athletes. Prevention should focus on enhancing neck strength, stiffness and neuromuscular control to better absorb external. As well as include balance, resistance, plyometrics and controlled landing training.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS)

Females are twice as likely to suffer PFPS due to the biomechanical differences including a wider pelvises and increased quadriceps angles, which alter the pull of the patella over the knee. Prevention and management focus on quadriceps strength training, particularly the VMO and limiting valgus forces across the knees.

Why are females more likely to suffer these injuries?

A combination of factors contributes to and may exacerbate injury risk in female athletes. The main factors thought to increase injuries in female athletes include;

  • Training schedule: A training intensity, frequency or duration far exceeding an athlete’s capacity increases injury risk, particularly when there are inadequate recovery strategies in place.
  • Biomechanical imbalances: Depending on the sport, both female and male athletes suffer increased injury risk when biomechanical imbalances develop and are not addressed in a timely manner.
  • Hormonal fluctuations: During the menstrual cycle ligament laxity and neuromuscular control fluctuate, influencing injury susceptibility.
  • The female athlete triad is the relationship between low energy availability (with or without disordered eating), menstrual dysfunction and decreased bone mineral density. The Triad increases injury risk and female athletes health overall.
  • Relative Energy Deficiency of Sport (RED-S) expands on the concept of the Triad. RED-S is the inadequate energy intake to meet the demands of sport, contributing to decreased bone mineral density and increased injury risk.

Preventive Measures and Rehabilitation Strategies

Addressing each athletes’ unique needs requires a multifaceted approach encompassing preventive measures and targeted rehabilitation strategies. Tailored programs incorporating progressive loading, balance, agility, proprioception, plyometric exercises, and sport-specific drills aid in restoring function, optimizing recovery, and minimizing the likelihood of recurrent injuries. Importantly, integrating comprehensive injury screening protocols into pre-participation assessments enables early identification of risk factors and facilitates personalised intervention strategies. This is particularly important for prevention and management of the Triad and RED-S.

Many of the factors that increase injury risk in female athletes are modifiable. With appropriate recognition you can manage these factors with planned and considered training, effectively reducing your injury risk, injuries and time away from sport.

Source: Trident