A Comparison of Game and Practice Injuries in High School Football

Abstract

In brief: The authors analyzed 1,877 high school football injuries to determine differences between game and practice injuries. The results indicate that games are more dangerous per time unit of exposure than practice. Significantly more contusions, especially to the trunk, occurred during games, and strains occurred more frequently during practice. Quarterbacks sustained more injuries to the neck, shoulder, chest, and feet in games. Linebackers injured ankles more often in games, and wide receivers injured them more in practice.