16/05/2025
Hey there, contact sport athletes and future stars! 💪 Ever think about the unsung hero that's crucial in all contact sports? It's your neck! Building a strong neck from a young age is a game-changer, seriously reducing the risk of injuries down the line. Think fewer setbacks and more time dominating your sport!
The video above gives you some ideas for basic neck strengthening movements that can be super helpful, especially when you're coaching a big team and need efficient ways to train. Remember, these are just options – specific neck training equipment isn't always necessary to get started.
Let's break it down for different contact sports:
* Rugby & American Football: For the front row powerhouses in the scrum or the linemen in the trenches, isometric neck exercises are your secret weapon. Holding those strong, stable positions builds crucial endurance and stability without necessarily adding bulk. Think sustained pushes against resistance in those key scrummaging or blocking postures.
* Ice Hockey & Lacrosse: The physicality of these sports, with checks and collisions, demands a resilient neck. Incorporating controlled flexion, extension, and lateral flexion exercises with resistance bands or light weights can build the dynamic strength needed to absorb impact.
* Australian Rules Football (AFL) & Gaelic Football: The aerial contests and physical tackling in these sports require significant neck stability. Both isometric holds and dynamic neck exercises can be beneficial. Imagine holding your head steady against a partner's gentle push or performing controlled neck movements against resistance.
Keep in mind, the sets and reps can be tweaked to fit your individual needs and the demands of your specific sport. This is all about smart training!
Want to dive deeper? We've linked some awesome articles below on neck strength and injury prevention in contact sports. 👇
Got questions or curious about other training topics? Drop a comment below or slide into our DMs – we're always keen to chat and explore what interests you! Let's build those resilient necks together!
