NFL concussion numbers in 2017 were up 15% over the previous 5 year average, possibly more self reporting says the NFL and this doesn’t include post season. As we know the NFL spends big $$$ on technology and helmet research while chasing the “holy grail” of football safety equipment. However, not every football program can invest $$$ in the newest equipment each year but technique application is a blank check for all to cash.
Thirty years ago here’s what the Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy reported and this information is just as relevant today!
“The athlete should be taught to contract the large muscles of the neck for proper tackling and blocking. By keeping the face up with a shoulder shrugging motion and using the necks stronger extension muscles, the neck is in a closed pocket and in a more stable position at the moment of impact.” Read at: https://www.jospt.org/doi/pdf/10.2519/jospt.1987.8.7.351?code=jospt-site
Learn more about how to use the “ultimate shoulder shrugging motion” to stabilize the head and neck to the shoulders and upper back to act as a solid single unit during football impact thus functioning simultaneously not as separate units by Dr. Donald Chu, PhD, PT, ATC, CSCS, Sports Performance and Sports Medicine Specialist.
NFL Fumbles Concussion Football
“To Play SAFER and BETTER Football”
Head Up – Eyes Up – HULK UP!
DISCLAIMER
The Football Safety Academy acknowledges the coach has the responsibility to decide which football techniques should be taught for the well being and safety of his players and there is not one specific technique including the Hulk Shrug Technique or safety device that can completely eliminate the risk of injury from impacts related to football including catastrophic injury and death. To the knowledge of the Football Safety Academy no specific research has been done regarding the Hulk Shrug Technique, however the Football Safety Academy is actively pursuing this goal.