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)
• protective eyewear

All basketball players should also wear:

• basketball sneakers that are supportive and fit well
• an athletic supporter (for guys)
• a supportive sports bra (for girls)

Safe Basketball Training

To prevent injuries during training:

• Be in good shape before starting the season.
• Always warm up and stretch before practice and games.
• Stop training if you get hurt or feel pain. Get checked by an athletic trainer, coach, doctor, or nurse before going back to training.
• Play different sports throughout the year to prevent overuse injuries.

Safe Play

All coaches should emphasize safe, fair play. This includes:

• knowing the rules of the game
• making sure the court is in good condition
• having a first-aid kit available at all practices and games