Elf and Safety for Snowball Fights!

It's that time of year again when snowball fighting is on the cards. Most people take a fairly casual approach to snowball fights, but this guide aims to separate the winners from the losers by giving you that vital edge in combat.


1. Equipment.

There are only 2 really crucial pieces of equipment.

The first is snow, any type can be used but probably best avoid the yellow stuff. The second and equally as important, is at least one functioning pain free arm. If there is no snow, then you're stuck. However if it's the arm that's a problem, try
out our free PhysioWizard assessment to find out how to manage it.

Not as crucial are some leather gloves, you can snowball fight without
gloves but you risk frostbite, and woolly gloves can impair your release, so
if you really want to be victorious get the leather gloves on.


2. Warm Up.

Rarely does a day go past in the Christmas season without someone asking us;
"How should I warm up for a snowball fight?

Now as with any activity, the first thing is to get your body temperature raised by 5-10 minutes of aerobic exercise. Having a brisk walk to the shop for a hot chocolate or to buy some leather gloves should suffice. The hot chocolate will also provide much needed energy.

​Follow this with some simple range of movement exercises. Turn your head side to side, bend side to side at your waist, to aid in evasive manoeuvres. Then take your practise snowballs and gradually increase your velocity and ferocity of throwing until you're ready for action. Making snow angels is also considered a very effective snowball fight warm up as it combines aerobic exercise with range of motion exercises.


3. Technique.

Unfortunately we don't have space here to go in depth on the bio-mechanical
issues surrounding effective snowball combat. However, one of the best ways of learning a new technique is by watching video footage of an expert in the given field. In the case of snowball fights I would direct you towards 2003 smash hit movie "Elf" starring Will Ferrell. Admire the accuracy and poise of Buddy the Elf as he single-handedly takes out his opponents. With practice you too can be this good.


4. The Aftermath.

If, despite this highly technical advice, you find that you still suffer from some post snowball fight aches or strains, then (if you've not already done so) try out our free PhysioWizard assessment and we'll help you feel better now - whether that's by guiding you to a physiotherapist or just giving you some simple exercises to get you back on track.


Happy holiday season!