ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the nature of injury and explains the principles of warming up and cooling down. It discusses the concept of the 'warm-up decrement' and highlights developments in injury prevention. Sports scientists and coaches have recently developed the concept of 'pre-conditioning' as a means of reducing injury and improving sports performance. Developing a structured warm-up for performers is a key coaching role, and an important factor in the prevention of injury. Current thinking has advanced in the prevention of injury, and enhancing the recovery process for the performer. The coach is well placed to educate their performers, and an important part of injury prevention is not letting a minor strain develop into something more serious, which would inhibit the recovery process and consequently prevent the performer from continuing training. The treatment that has been developed to enhance the recovery process is alternating hot and cold water immersion.
