Let’s Go Retro: The Benefits of “Free Play”
“Free play.” I haven’t heard that term since my days at summer camp. However, it is a term we should to add back into our vernacular, and this especially rings true for young athletes.
Several studies have recently shown that young athletes who engage in “free play” are less likely to suffer a sports-related injury. In today’s day and age, many teens now focus their efforts on one single sport and play it year-round. However, research demonstrates that these single-sport athletes are less likely to engage in “free play” or recreational sports. Research continues to demonstrate that participating in a variety of sports – competitive and/or recreational – can help prevent sports-related injuries. This may be due to building up resistance in muscles that aren’t regularly engaged by playing just one particular sport.
How can you or your child incorporate “free play” into the daily routine?
- Warm up for your sport de jour by working other muscle groups or engaging in other “sports.” For instance, take to the tennis court and hit a few balls before swim practice.
- Partake in a recreational game or activity to spice things up. Shoot hoops with friends or take a cardio-kickboxing class.
- Team up with a friend and share your athletic interests. If you have a friend that’s an avid runner and you are an expert softball player, teach each other a thing or two. Head for the running trails one morning and the next day visit the batting cage.
- If you have athlete friends who play a different sport than you, reach out and give what they do a shot.
Next time I read a blog, I hope that it does not disappoint me as much as this one. I mean, Yes, it was my choice to read through, however I actually believed you would have something useful to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could fix if you weren’t too busy seeking attention.
Are the issues really as complex as they seem?
I wanted to create you that bit of word in order to give many thanks over again for all the pretty tactics you’ve provided on this website. This is shockingly open-handed of you to offer extensively all a few individuals might have marketed as an ebook to earn some bucks for their own end, and in particular seeing that you could have tried it if you ever decided. The creative ideas in addition served to be the easy way to be certain that other people have the identical dream similar to mine to learn great deal more in respect of this issue. Certainly there are lots of more pleasant periods ahead for those who see your blog post.
hi!,I love your writing so much! share we communicate extra approximately your article on AOL? I need a specialist on this area to solve my problem. May be that is you! Taking a look forward to see you.
Very nice article and straight to the point. I am not sure if this is really the best place to ask but do you guys have any thoughts on where to hire some professional writers? Thanks 🙂
I’ve been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this site. Thank you, I will try and check back more often. How frequently you update your website?
There is clearly a bundle to realize about this. I consider you made various good points in features also.
Hello there, I believe your web site may be having internet browser compatibility issues. Whenever I take a look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however, when opening in I.E., it’s got some overlapping issues. I merely wanted to give you a quick heads up! Apart from that, excellent site!
Matt Steadman is the an expert on Young Living essential oils, and has some information for everyone.
Thanks for the sensible critique. Me & my neighbor were just preparing to do a little research on this. We got a grab a book from our area library but I think I learned more from this post. I am very glad to see such great information being shared freely out there.
The next time I read a blog, Hopefully it does not fail me as much as this one. I mean, Yes, it was my choice to read, but I genuinely believed you would probably have something interesting to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could fix if you weren’t too busy searching for attention.
Matt Steadman is the an expert on Young Living essential oils, and has some information for everyone.
Matt Steadman is the an expert on Young Living essential oils, and has some information for everyone.
I enjoy looking through a post that can make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment!
You have some helpful ideas! Maybe I should consider doing this by myself.
Hi! I just wish to offer you a huge thumbs up for your excellent information you have right here on this post. I’ll be returning to your site for more soon.
Excellent write-up. I certainly appreciate this website. Keep it up!
Great blog you have here.. It’s difficult to find high quality writing like yours these days. I really appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!