If the crisp fall air is beckoning you to a football field, you should know how to help protect yourself from injuries.
Football is one of the highest-risk sports as far as injuries per player hour.
Naturally, the higher the level of play, the higher the risk of injury. But even children and teens risk injury on the field, especially if they're physically unprepared for the sport. Football players at any level should begin training weeks or months in advance. Ideally, players should stay in shape year-round, Dr. Duncan said. He suggests a regular regimen of stretching and strengthening exercises, to help prevent tendon and ligament injuries, and aerobic work for endurance.