What's a good way to prepare your body for a rigorous game of football lots of running and jumping and hits?

Question

I've had hamstring issues before and I need to make sure my body is right for this weekend... I want to be able to give 110% (lol!) without worrying that I will do another hamstring or any other soft tissue/muscle injury...

How can I also prepare myself for endurance and cardiovascular fitness... is a light cardio workout the night before advisable...for some reason I find that this actually helps!??

Any advice is welcome...thanks

Answer 1

I played rugby in university, best way to prepare for the hits is by doing a light workout before the game then doing some serious stretching (workout first then stretch).  make sure you are tackling properly; when you are on the bench, make sure you don't get "cold" and after the game soak your body in an ice water bath and take two ibuprofins two hours later.

Answer 2

Well there is nothing that you can do about it for this weekend, but you should be doing strectches that work you affected muscles to make them stronger.