Falling correctly on the ice is an important skill for hockey and figure skaters to prevent injury and reduce the risk of serious damage. Here are some basic tips on safe falling techniques on the ice:
- Bend your knees: At the beginning of a fall, bend your knees to reduce the impact of the fall.
- Distribute your weight: Try to distribute your weight evenly over the entire body surface to reduce pressure on certain body parts.
- Protect your head and neck: If you fall, try to keep your head and neck in a neutral position to prevent injury to the cervical vertebrae.
- Use your arms and elbows: Try to use your arms and elbows to distribute the impact evenly and protect yourself from injury. Remember that bent elbows may be less injurious than straight elbows.
- Don’t try to hold on: It is important not to try to hold on as this can lead to injuries to the arms, wrists or shoulders. It is better to transfer the inertia of the fall to a larger area.
- Roll: After a fall, try to roll away to reduce friction and stress on your joints.
- Practice: Falling on ice can be practised in training sessions with an instructor or coach. They can teach you proper technique and give you helpful tips.
- Protective gear: Wear protective gear such as kneepads, elbow pads, helmet and neck protection. This will help reduce the risk of injury.
Remember, falls on ice cannot be completely avoided, but proper technique and protective equipment can greatly reduce the risk of serious injury.