Sport is an important part of life in Australia and is hugely popular, for both adults and children. Around 90% of adults participate in sport at least once a year, and about 13.5 million adults and 3.6 million children take part in sport each year in Australia.*
Although our summers can be pretty harsh in various areas of our country, it doesn’t stop us from getting out and facing the challenges, and enjoying the social benefits of a new sport.
Find out more about the most popular Summer sports in Australia below, along with related injuries and ways to prevent them.
What are the Benefits of Playing Sport?
Playing a sport has many benefits including –
- Improves physical and mental health
- Relieves Stress
- Motivates kids to be active (which can in turn also improve school results)
- Instills habits that will keep kids healthy and active throughout life
- Helps people feel included in a social group and part of a community
Most Popular Summer Sports in Australia
Sports in Australia are held at various times throughout the year. In general they are set according to the weather, although that has changed recently with secondary shorter seasons being added to our busy schedules. The season for professionals, adults and children may also differ.
The most popular Summer Sports are –
- Cricket
- Tennis
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Surfing
- Surf Life Saving
- Athletics
- Hockey
- Baseball
- Cycling
Here is a yearly overview of sports in Australia**.
Common Injuries Associated with Popular Summer Sports
Understanding the common injuries associated with these Summer sports, and ways to prevent them, can help athletes and recreational players stay safe and enjoy the season to the fullest.
Common Injuries can include –
CRICKET
- Hamstring Strains
- Ankle Sprains
- Adductor and Hip flexor Strains
- Abdominal Side Strains
- Contusions
- Thrower’s Elbow
- Shin Splints
- Low Back Pain
TENNIS
- Tennis Elbow
- Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
- Wrist Strains
- Back Pain
- Jumper’s Knee (Patellar Tendonitis)
- Calf & Achilles tendon
- Tennis toe
BASKETBALL
- Ankle Sprains
- Knee Injuries including Anterior Cruciate ligament (ACL)
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome
- Jumper’s knee (Patellar Tendonitis)
- Finger Injuries
- Calf strains or Achilles tears
- Groin or Thigh muscle strains
- Back pain
Preventing Injuries
To minimise the risk of injury, athletes should follow these preventive measures –
Warm-Up and Stretch – Proper warm-ups and stretching can prepare the muscles and joints for physical activity.
Use Appropriate Gear – Wearing the right protective gear and using properly maintained equipment can prevent injuries.
Stay Hydrated – Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, especially during intense physical activity.
Rest – Avoid overexertion and take breaks as needed to prevent heat-related illnesses and fatigue. Add rest days to your training/game schedule to allow muscles to recover.
Address Niggling Injuries – Don’t ignore niggling, recurrent injuries. Have them checked out by your Physiotherapist or Health Professional as soon as possible, in order to prevent them becoming a much larger issue.
By staying informed about the common injuries associated with summer sports and taking appropriate precautions, we can enjoy a fun, active, and injury-free summer season!
Sports Injury Management at Sandgate Physical Health Clinic
At Sandgate Physical Health Clinic, we can return you to our best level of function after an injury. Whether you need Physiotherapy, Acupuncture, Massage or Pilates, our highly-qualified and experienced staff will give you individual treatment that is ‘hands on’ and delivers results that allow you to move pain free again.
For more information or to book an appointment, call us on 3869 1099 or BOOK ONLINE.
*Statistics from Ausplay July 22 – June 23
** Sport Calendar from Brewquets