The Netball Ankle
Approximately 80% of netball athletes will experience an ankle sprain during their playing career.
Following an initial ankle sprain, studies indicate that up to 72% of netball players suffer from repeated sprains, and 64% report a sense of moderate to severe instability in the ankle after the first injury.
These statistics underscore the importance of implementing effective prevention and management strategies to address ankle sprains in youth netball athletes.
Prevention
Staying proactive is key to preventing ankle sprains.
Building these 3 components will reduce the chance of an ankle sprain significantly.
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Build control and endurance through the foot, hip, and postural muscles (i.e. your core and back).
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Build your balance and your ability to perform tasks whilst keeping balance.
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Build strong foundations with your movement patterns i.e. landing, jumping, deceleration, acceleration, change of direction etc.
Ankle Taping
The less ankle sprains you experience through your career, the stronger the ankle ligaments become.
At the professional level, ankle taping and wearing an ankle brace is a must before players can even step on the court.
What should I do When I get an Ankle Sprain?
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Notify your coach that you have been injured and remain off the court for the remainder of the training session or game.
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Where possible, use crutches and avoid weightbearing. This ensures that poor moving patterns do not develop.
Ice for 15-minutes every 2 hours until instructed by a physiotherapist to stop.
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See a physiotherapist immediately. This will shorten recovery times significantly and improve the quality of recovery.
You want to begin rehabilitation exercises immediately to maintain your fitness and strength through the recovery period.
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Tape the ankle and wear an ankle brace for at least 12 weeks. This ensures that the ligament heals with great quality.
We recommend wearing an ankle brace at a minimum every training session and game.
Sports Insurance
If an injury happens during your training sessions or games, you are eligible for sports insurance through Netball Australia which will cover 75% of your physiotherapy fees.
Please see the link below for more information.
Bulletproof your ankles
Our team has 20+ years of experience developing resilient and explosive athletes in court sports.
We have combined principles from multiple sports to develop the best ankle sprain rehabilitation and prevention program for young netball athletes.
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![Geva Mentor]()
Geva Mentor
Collingwood Magpies Netball (SSN)
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![Josh Giddey]()
Josh Giddey
Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA)
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![Julie Corletto]()
Julie Corletto
Australian Diamonds
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![Belinda Snell]()
Belinda Snell
Australia Opals
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![Shimona Nelson]()
Shimona Nelson
Collingwood Magpies Netball (SSN)
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![Emma Nedov]()
Emma Nedov
Gymnastics Australia
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![Hayley Wilson]()
Hayley Wilson
Nike Skateboarding
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![Caitlyn Martin]()
Caitlyn Martin
The Australian Ballet School
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![Samantha Richards]()
Samantha Richards
Australia Opals
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![Ben Li]()
Ben Li
Shanghai Sharks (CBA)
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![Kuany Kuany]()
Kuany Kuany
Sydney Kings
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![Maddie Garrick]()
Maddie Garrick
Bendigo Spirit (WNBL)
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![Mangok Mathiang]()
Mangok Mathiang
Charlotte Hornets (NBA)
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![Jo Lual-Acuil]()
Jo Lual-Acuil
Melbourne United (NBL)
FAQs
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The best practice is having both ankle tape and a high quality ankle brace on every netball training and game. At the minimum, an ankle brace should be worn.
We recommend this for all high impact sports involving contact as even the healthiest and strongest ankles can still be placed in a compromised position by chance. This is where the tape and ankle brace will save you.
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Leuko Premium Plus Rigid Sports Tape is the best rigid tape. Second is Elastoplast Premium Rigid Strapping Tape. We recommend getting the 50mm variant as it will suit most ankles.
These can be purchased in bulk from the link above or individually through retailers.
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Zoff Adhesive Plaster Remover works wonders when it comes to removing the tape hassle-free.
For another layer of protection, you can also use Skin Prep Protective Spray prior to applying the tape.
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If you have a latex allergy, use an underwrap like Fixomull prior to taping. Simply wrap the space to be taped in Fixomull from bottom to top in a spiral direction. You can then apply rigid sports tape on top without the risk of an allergic reaction.
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Use Tensospray on the skin to improve the adhesion of the tape. Shaving the area prior to taping also helps.
Which Ankle Brace?
We have had the least ankle sprains in the Zamst A2-DX amongst all the ankle braces we have tested with both our youth and professional athletes.
The A2-DX provides the strongest ankle support.
The ankle brace is made with i-Fit and a-Fit technology for an anatomically (right & left) correct fit.
The Exo-Grid (Xternal) is a dual exterior molded support structure with Grip Tech (anti-migration), that prevents the ankle from rolling inward (Inversion) and outward (Eversion).
The Exo-Grid (Xternal), along with the anchor strap, assists in preventing high ankle sprains by reducing the separation of the two lower leg bones where the ankle meets.
The X-Strap Stabilizers with Grip Tech located underneath prevents the foot from shifting forward.
Stephen Curry, Pro Basketball, All-Star Point Guard, wears the A2-DX in practice and games.
The A2-DX provides the strongest ankle support.
The ankle brace is made with i-Fit and a-Fit technology for an anatomically (right & left) correct fit.
The Exo-Grid (Xternal) is a dual exterior molded support structure with Grip Tech (anti-migration), that prevents the ankle from rolling inward (Inversion) and outward (Eversion).
The Exo-Grid (Xternal), along with the anchor strap, assists in preventing high ankle sprains by reducing the separation of the two lower leg bones where the ankle meets.
The X- Strap Stabilizers with Grip Tech located underneath prevents the foot from shifting forward.
Stephen Curry, Pro Basketball, All-Star Point Guard, wears the A2-DX in practice and games.