Injuries in Netball
Netball is one of the most popular Australian sports, which is played in teams. Netball is popular among sports women. However, male and mixed competitions are also happening. This game puts a lot of physical stress on the players as they have to be highly active to escape from the opponent with good speed and get a goal with rapid movement. Thus, injuries are very common among netball players.
Occurrence of Netball Injuries
According to various facts and statistics - Netball represents 7% of adult and 4% of child sports related injuries reported to emergency departments in hospitals in Australia. This shows how the high presence of netball injuries and the need to prevent their happening.
Causes and Type of Netball Injuries
- In case of netball injuries among adults, ankles, knees and hands are most affected. In case of children, hands (particularly fingers) and ankles are most affected.
- Knees are most injured part in general among netball players.
- Generally, netball injuries are mostly sprains and strains with exception of fingers. In case of fingers, injuries are fractures or dislocations.
- Falling when playing, colliding with opponents, overuse, over-exertion and hitting with the ball - are the common causes of injuries.
Prevention and Safety Tips for Netball Players
Prepare well for the game
You can prevent injuries while playing, with good preparation at the start. Go for a simple fitness testing to assure yourself that your body is fit for play. Also, fitness programs designed for netball players can help you develop the strength, co-ordination and flexibility, which are important for safe play. Pre-participation screening can help find out potential musculo-skeletal problems and avoid overuse injuries. And, the best advice is - warm up and stretch before participating in the competition and also before training.
Learn better techniques and practices
Make sure that you are perfect in all the basics of netball, like - body balance, good control on landing, move forward quickly, and catch passes rapidly. Be alert to learn correct playing techniques advised by the sport experts from time to time.
Play safe
First and best thing you need to do is to see that goal posts are firmly fixed to the ground and are padded properly. Also, regularly check and maintain netball surfaces to avoid hazards. Do not play netball on slippery surfaces. More importantly, take extra care and professional advice while selecting footwear.
Other safety tips
- Drink adequate water before and during play to prevent dehydration
- Use a broad spectrum sunscreen in high UV conditions, and avoid playing in extreme weather conditions
- Make sure there are qualified first aid personnel to help you out when injury happens
- When injured get adequate treatment and full rehabilitation before you resume to play
Can you guide me on how good equipment helps prevent injuries in netball?
Use of appropriate equipment helps prevent injuries and keep you safe. Make sure that the goal posts are firmly fixed to the ground and no parts of the post are getting onto the court surface. This may pose a trip hazard. Also, the goal posts should be padded.
Regular checking and proper maintenance of netball surfaces is important to eliminate hazards. Avoid playing on slippery surfaces. Take professional advice and choose the right footwear.