Handball EM Frauen: Verletzung im Training – Meine Horror-Story und was ich daraus gelernt habe
Hey Handball-Fans! Let's talk about something nobody wants to hear about, especially during the run-up to a big tournament like the Handball EM Frauen: injuries. Specifically, injuries sustained during training. Ugh, just thinking about it makes my shoulder ache.
I’ve been playing handball since I was a kid, practically glued to the court. I’ve seen it all – amazing goals, nail-biting finishes, and unfortunately, my fair share of injuries. But nothing prepared me for that day.
<h3>Der Tag, an dem alles schief ging</h3>
It was a typical Tuesday, a few weeks before a crucial qualifying match for the EM. We were working on our fast breaks – you know, the kind where you’re sprinting, dodging, and trying to get the ball into the net before the defense even knows what hit them. I was feeling good, super focused. Then, bam. I went for a jump shot, landed awkwardly, and heard this pop. Not a good pop, like a champagne cork. A bad pop, like snapping a twig. My right knee buckled, and I hit the ground hard. Let me tell you, the pain was excruciating.
It felt like someone had stabbed me with a really, really sharp ice pick. I lay there, staring up at the ceiling, trying to process what just happened. My teammates rushed over, their faces etched with worry. It was awful. Pure, unadulterated pain and fear. Would I be able to play in the EM? Would my season be over?
The diagnosis wasn't pretty: a partially torn meniscus. That meant weeks of physiotherapy, endless ice packs, and a whole lot of “why me?” moments. Seriously, my motivation tanked. It sucked.
<h3>Was ich daraus gelernt habe: Prävention ist alles!</h3>
Looking back, I know I could have done things differently. While you can't completely avoid injuries, you can definitely reduce your risk. Here are a few things I've learned the hard way (and I really mean the hard way):
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Proper Warm-up: This isn't optional, people. It’s crucial. I used to rush through warmups, thinking I could just jump straight into intense drills. Big mistake. Now, I spend at least 15-20 minutes preparing my body, focusing on dynamic stretches and light cardio. Things like jumping jacks, high knees, and arm circles are crucial.
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Listen to Your Body: This is probably the most important lesson of all. Pain is your body's way of saying, "Hey, something's wrong!" If something feels off, stop. Don’t push through the pain – you’ll only make things worse. I ignored some minor twinges leading up to the injury, and that ultimately cost me.
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Strength and Conditioning: A strong core is essential for stability and injury prevention in handball. Now I incorporate regular strength training into my routine, focusing on exercises that target my legs, core, and shoulders. Squats, lunges, planks – these are your friends!
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Proper Technique: This is about more than just throwing the ball accurately. It's about efficient movement to avoid putting unnecessary stress on your joints. Getting feedback from a coach on my technique and focusing on small improvements really helped.
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Rest and Recovery: Your body needs time to repair itself. Make sure you get enough sleep and allow for adequate rest days between intense training sessions. Seriously, don’t underestimate the power of rest.
The EM is still a few months away, but I'm working hard to get back to full fitness. I’m focusing on my rehabilitation and making sure to take care of my body. This experience has taught me a valuable lesson: preventing injuries is far better than dealing with the consequences. Don’t make the same mistakes I did! Prioritize your health and take care of your body. Let's all make it to the EM, healthy and ready to play! Gute Besserung to anyone dealing with a similar injury!