Why Are Ankle Sprains So Common Among Netball Players?

Ankle sprains are so common among Sutherland Shire netball players that many miss games because of them — netball's combination of sudden stops, quick direction changes and jumping puts real strain on the ankle joint. Here's what you can do to avoid these injuries.

Why netball is so hard on ankles

Netball involves rapid deceleration, pivoting, jumping and landing, and frequent close contact with other players near the ball — all of which place the ankle in vulnerable positions, particularly when landing awkwardly from a jump or changing direction at speed.

Why some players are more prone to sprains

Once an ankle has been sprained, the risk of a repeat sprain rises significantly, often because the ligaments and the ankle's balance and proprioception (position sense) don't fully recover without targeted rehabilitation, leaving the joint more vulnerable next time.

Prevention strategies for netball players

• Balance and proprioception training — exercises that challenge balance help retrain the ankle's ability to react quickly to uneven surfaces or awkward landings
• Ankle strengthening — building strength in the muscles that control side-to-side ankle stability
• Taping or bracing — particularly valuable for players with a history of ankle sprains
• Proper warm-up — dynamic movements that prepare the ankle and surrounding muscles for the demands of the game
• Footwear — supportive, court-appropriate footwear designed for netball's specific movement demands

If you do sprain an ankle

Getting an accurate diagnosis early — ruling out fractures or more significant ligament damage — and following a complete rehabilitation program (not just resting until the pain settles) makes the biggest difference to both full recovery and reducing your risk of it happening again.

Building resilient ankles for the season

For netball players, ankle injury prevention works best as an ongoing part of training, not just something addressed after an injury. A physiotherapist can assess your individual risk factors and build a prevention program suited to your position and level of play.

If you're a netball player dealing with recurring ankle issues, or want to reduce your risk before the season starts, book an assessment with our sports physiotherapy team in the Sutherland Shire.