Why Netball Has a High Injury Risk

Netball is a fast-paced sport involving frequent jumping, single-leg landings, sudden stops and rapid changes of direction. These movements place high stress through the ankles, knees, hips and lower back.

Injury Risk Increases When

  • Training or match load increases suddenly
  • Strength or control does not match game demands
  • Fatigue builds across matches or tournaments
  • Recovery between sessions is inadequate

Over time, small changes in movement quality under fatigue can increase stress on vulnerable tissues.

Common Netball Injuries We See

Ankle Injuries

Often occur during landing or when contesting space. Recurrent sprains can reduce stability if not properly rehabilitated.

Knee Injuries

Including patellofemoral pain and ligament injuries. Poor landing mechanics and fatigue increase knee load during jumping and direction changes.

Lower Limb Overuse Injuries

Such as shin pain, Achilles or plantar heel pain. These usually develop gradually and are linked to cumulative load.

Hip and Lower Back Pain

Often related to reduced trunk control, fatigue, or altered movement patterns over time.

Strength, Load and Recovery

Netball places demands beyond isolated gym strength. Players must tolerate repeated high-load movements in single-leg positions while jumping, landing and changing direction under fatigue.

Strength must be supported by:

  • Landing control
  • Muscular endurance
  • Movement quality under fatigue

Injury risk increases when match and training demands exceed recovery capacity. Congested fixtures, tournaments, poor sleep and external stress all contribute. Gradual load progression and adequate recovery are key across a season.

How SWSM Supports Netball Athletes

At Sydney West Sports Medicine, we assess more than the injury itself.

Our Approach Includes

  • Training and match load analysis
  • Movement quality and fatigue response
  • Strength, endurance and control
  • Individual risk factors

This supports safe return to play and long-term performance.

Take Home Message

Netball injuries are often driven by repeated load and fatigue, not a single incident.

Reducing risk involves:

  • Preparing for repeated high-load movements
  • Maintaining control under fatigue
  • Managing training load and recovery
  • Addressing small issues early

A Physiotherapy or Exercise Physiology assessment can help identify individual risk factors and support performance across the season.