High school sports and injury rates?

Hey all, I'm currently in the process of deciding whether I want to dedicate a lot more time to a high school sport I'm interested in. One thing I wanted to look into more is the injury rate. Does anyone know which high school sport has the highest number of injuries? And, how I can potentially prevent myself from being part of that statistic?

In terms of injury rates, various studies have found that high-contact sports like football, wrestling, and basketball are often associated with higher injury rates in comparison to lower-contact sports such as baseball or track and field. However, this does not necessarily mean you should avoid high-contact sports if you're interested in them, but rather understand the risks and take necessary precautions.

The best way for you to reduce your risk of injury regardless of the sport you choose is to properly condition your body and use the right safety equipment. Make sure to do plenty of warming up before any sport, and invest time in conditioning exercises to improve your core stability and strength control. These can include weight training and flexibility-enhancing activities like yoga or Pilates.

Proper nutrition and rest are also paramount. One common cause of injuries is fatigue, which can be mitigated by consuming nutritious meals and allowing your body sufficient time to rest and heal.

Lastly, consider learning more about your chosen sport from professionals who can help you understand the mechanics, techniques, and best training practices. If the sport you're participating in requires gear such as helmets, pads, or braces, ensure you're using them properly as well.

Remember, injuries can happen despite all precautions. However, following these steps can significantly decrease your chances of getting hurt and help you ensure a healthy and successful sporting endeavor.