Netball - preventing injury

Netball is one of the most popular team sports in Australia. Once known as a mainly female sport, in recent years male and mixed competitions have become increasingly popular.

Netball places many demands on the technical and physical skills of the player. As a result, injuries can and do occur, mostly to the lower leg, wrist, hand
and fingers.

Common injuries
The most common types of injuries through netball are sprains, bruising, fractures and dislocations. Ankle, wrist, hand, finger and knee injuries occur frequently. Common causes of injuries are awkward landings, slips and falls, player collision, overexertion, overuse and being hit by the ball.

Preventing injury
To prevent injury, you should:

• Be prepared
• Wear the right gear
• Use good technique and practices
• Check the environment is safe
• Know yourself and the sport.

• Train before a competition to ensure that you are ready to play.
• Always warm up, stretch and cool down. Not warming up before playing netball increases the risk of injury.
• Undergo fitness programs to develop aerobic fitness, strength, balance, coordination and flexibility.

• Seek professional advice on footwear.
• Consider preventive ankle taping or bracing to reduce injury risks.

• Participate in training programs to improve body balance (using wobble boards or balance mats). Poor balance may increase the risk of injury.
• Learn correct passing, catching and landing techniques. Incorrect landing may increase the risk of injury to the knee.
• Coaches should undertake regular re-accreditation and education to ensure their knowledge is up to date.
• Having accredited umpires and following the rules decreases the risk of contact and injury.

• Check and maintain the playing surface to remove hazards, such as loose gravel.
• Provide adequate run-off area around the court.
• Make sure goal posts are padded and secured firmly to the ground with no part posing a tripping risk.
• Remove courtside hazards.

• Choose activities that are suited to your fitness level.
• Follow the rules and play fairly.
• Know and use the right techniques for passing, jumping, landing and shooting.

• Drink water before, during and after play.
• Wear broad-spectrum 30+ sunscreen and a hat when playing outdoors.
• Discourage play in extreme hot, wet or slippery conditions.
• Make sure qualified first aid personnel, first aid kits, icepacks and a stretcher are available at all times.
• Telephone access, to contact emergency services, is essential.

• Seek prompt attention from qualified first aid personnel.
• Make sure you are fully rehabilitated before returning to play.
• Wear an ankle brace for at least three months after serious ankle injury.

• Your doctor
• Always call triple zero for an ambulance in an emergency Tel. 000
• Sports physician
• Physiotherapist
• Australian Physiotherapy Association Tel. (03) 9534 9400
• Netball Victoria’s Game Day Checklist – to ensure a safe playing environment
• Smartplay Tel. (03) 9674 8777
• BHC Activity finder
• ‘Go for your life’ Infoline Tel. 1300 739 899

• Netball places many demands on the technical and physical skills of the player and, as a result, injuries can and do occur.
• The most common injuries through netball are sprains, bruising, fractures and dislocations. Ankle, wrist, hand, finger and knee injuries occur frequently.
• Using the right techniques for the sport can help prevent injury.

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:


(Logo links to further information)