Safety Tips: Basketball

Basketball is a way of life for millions of American teens. It's fun to play and great exercise, but basketball is also a contact sport, and injuries happen. Also, because basketball players play year-round, indoors and out, many get repetitive stress injuries like tendonitis.

To stay as safe as possible, follow these tips.

Safe Basketball Gear

Safety gear for basketball includes:

• a mouthguard to prevent broken teeth and mouth and tongue injuries (this is required in some leagues)