What must a player do to protect themselves during the play?

A player must focus on regaining balance and blocking opponents to protect themselves during play because this approach enables them to safely navigate the dynamics of the game. Regaining balance helps prevent falls and injuries that could occur if they lose stability while trying to maneuver or evade defenders. Blocking opponents not only offers protection for the player with the ball but also facilitates safe exits from challenging situations by creating space and time to operate.

Holding onto the ball tightly, while important for ball security, does not directly contribute to the player's physical safety from collisions or potential injuries. Staying on the bench removes the player from the action entirely, which does not address the objective of participating in the game while ensuring personal safety. Avoiding contact altogether is unrealistic in a contact sport like football, where engaging with opponents is often necessary for both offensive and defensive strategies.