Netball is a sport that has one of the largest female participation rates within the Commonwealth, most popular in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, with more than 20 million athletes participating in the sport. Netball is a ball sport played by two teams of seven players in which goals are scored by shooting the ball through a netted ring. Netball relies heavily on muscular endurance and bursts of rapid acceleration to “break free” from an opponent as well as, sudden and rapid change of directions in combination with jumping to receive a pass, intercept a ball or rebound. The sudden stop-start motion of the game is what often leads to serious injuries in participants. Higher grade players, in both senior and junior competitions, are more susceptible to injuries than lower grade players, due to the high intensity and rapid pace of the game. An injury is most commonly defined as one that has occurred while participating in sport and which led to one of the following consequences: a reduction in the amount or level of sports activity; need for medical advice or treatment; and/or adverse economic or social effects for the athlete.
Common soft tissue injuries in netball A soft tissue injury is the damage of muscles, ligaments or tendons in the body. The most common soft tissue injuries in netball occur to the ankles, knees and hands. The main cause of these injuries is due to incorrect landing. Other factors influencing injury include; tripping, collisions with other players, being struck by the ball, over-exertion and fatigue.
Ankles In netball the ankle joint is most susceptible to injury and accounts for 31% of the injuries sustained in the sport. A sprained ankle is a tear or complete rupture of a ligament. The most commonly injured ligament is the Anterior Talofibular Ligament. This ligament is on the outside of the ankle and injury occurs when the sole of the foot rolls inwards. A minor sprain may only need a week to recover, however severe ankle sprains can result in a player being out for 6–10 weeks.
Knees
Knee injuries are the second most common injury in netball and are the most serious in regards to cost and disability. Studies show that majority of knee injuries are new injuries, and those who sustain a knee injury often withdraw from participation in netball. The most common knee injuries are meniscal and major ligament sprains/ruptures. The most commonly injured ligament is the Anterior Cruciate Ligament(ACL). The ACL allows a twisting motion at the knee. Common symptoms of an ACL rupture include a “popping” sound at the time of the injury, severe pain, swelling and a feeling of instability. ACL injuries are difficult to effectively diagnose without the assistance of Medical Resonance Imaging (MRI). A ruptured ACL will require knee reconstruction surgery that will result in the athlete being out of the game for 9–12 months.
Hands/other Hand injuries usually involve joint ligamentous sprains and fractures. Children most commonly injure hands, in particular their fingers. “Other” types of injuries in netball vary including; lower leg strain, quadriceps haematoma, rotator cuff shoulder problems, an elbow joint dislocation, a radial fracture, and back problems.
Treatment As soon as an injury occurs game time must be held until the player has been properly assessed and removed from the court if need be. It is essential that players seek immediate help from a qualified first aid provider or health practitioner. Any netball injury should be treated by using the P.R.I.C.E.S., D.R.S.A.B.C., T.O.T.A.P.S. AND R.I.C.E.R. regimes: P - Protect R - Rest I - Ice C - Compression E - Elevation S - Stabilise D - Danger R - Response S - Send for help A - Airway B - Breathing C - Circulation T - Talk O - Observe T - Touch A - Active movement P - Passive movement S - Skills test R - Rest I - Ice C - Compression E - Elevation R - Referral If an injury occurs ensure that all netball players receive adequate treatment and full rehabilitation before returning to play. Serious ankle and knee ligament ruptures will require reconstructive surgery. It is essential to follow all recovery and rehabilitation programs fully to prevent any injury from re occurring.
Netball injury prevention
Good preparation
In order to prevent netball injuries, essential pre-season training is required before commencing the playing season. The distance travelled by elite players over a game ranges from 7 km (shooters/ defenders) to 8.8 km (centre court players). A game does not only consist of basic running; players are required to accelerate in rapid bursts for the majority of the game. In pre-season training players must undertake fitness programs that focus on power, strength, agility and flexibility, especially of muscles around the ankles and feet. It is important that fitness testing is conducted prior to competition to ensure readiness to play the game.
Good technique Training should consist of netball specific exercises that focus on enhancing body balance, landing control, change of direction and catching passes. It is essential for coaches to undergo regular educational updates to make sure the information they have about correct training drills is current. It is very important that children are properly taught the fundamentals of netball before they participate in game situations. Any incorrect techniques should be corrected at a young age before they become a bad habit.
Warm up A warm-up should never be overlooked in netball as it plays a vital and effective role in preventing injury. A warm-up is essential before physical activity to; prepare the body for vigorous exercise, reduce the risk of injury, reduce muscle stiffness and mentally prepare the athlete. Any warm-up should consist of running, dynamic movements and dynamic stretches. It should last for a minimum of ten minutes.
Equipment/clothing In netball it is essential that the goal posts are firmly fixed to the ground and have a padded post protector around them. All courts should be a firm, smooth surfaces with no loose gravel or hazards. The most important uniform item for any netball player is the shoes. It is highly recommended that players wear netball specific shoes, as they are tailored to the demands of the game and provide the correct level of support and cushioning. It is also recommended that players should wear braces or strap their ankles to provide extra support and decrease the risk of a major injury occurring.
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