Once again, spring is in the air and the weekend warrior has resurfaced fresh from winter hibernation. Driven by a natural mammalian instinct for competition, he stumbles onto the courts, diamonds, tracks and fields of the sporting world.

Unfortunately, though we are the highest creatures on the food chain, we are often the most forgetful when it comes to the risks we faced this time last year. That’s because, unlike animals of lesser intelligence, we are subject to the influence of competitive spirits and accelerated adrenaline.

Some of the most prevalent perils we encounter are those that pose a threat to our manhood. We’ve talked about racquetball risks, biking dangers and the infamous foul ball that can easily find its way to our boys down under. But what about those not-so-obvious choices that can come back to haunt us?

You might not think of basketball as a serious crotch-impact contact sport, but how you prepare for that pickup game of round ball can make a big difference in the health of your groin.

When you go for the high jumps and quick sprints, what you’re donning beneath the sport shorts can either make or break you. Some guys seem to be OK with boxers, but if you find your gonads aren’t up for bearing the brunt of the shock from repetitive layups, you might consider the nut-hugging advantage of briefs.

Beyond the briefs is another handy tool for penile protection. Protective cups are not just for the high school jock. With all the family picnics and beachside bashes coming up, there’s always a chance you’ll be drafted into amateur football frenzy. When you do hit the gridiron, you may not want to be the only one wearing a helmet, but no one will know if you’ve barricaded your balls from the brute force and ignorance that you’re sure to encounter.

Water-related sports and activities can also bring about concerns for the well-being of your frank and beans. As pliable as water is, it can quickly become your worst enemy if the conditions are just right for an unyielding impact. A cannonball splash into your favorite watering hole can get ugly if you jump from a high vantage point and your testes test the water first. Water balloon fights are another warm weather pastime that seems innocent enough—but collect a direct hit from a non-bursting balloon and you might feel like your own sack has exploded.

Regardless of the sport you choose to kick off this spring, remember to guard your gonads from injury. It’s just not worth it if damage from your outdoor adventures leaves you without the nuts to face those indoor erotic escapades.