Each year, more than 187,000 volleyball-related injuries are treated in hospitals, doctors' offices, clinics, ambulatory surgery centers and emergency rooms.
Over 60 percent of volleyball injuries are related to jumping.
Blocking, followed by spiking, accounts for the highest rate of injury.
Injuries are more common on concrete or linoleum than on wood.
Ankle injuries are the most common acute injury. They are usually caused when a blocking player's foot lands on the opponent. Other acute injuries include finger and knee sprains and meniscus tears.
Patellar tendonitis (jumper's knee) accounts for up to 80 percent of overuse injuries. ACL injuries mainly occur in plant and cut moves or one- leg landings without direct contact with other players.
Overhead movements such as overhead serving and spiking increase risk of shoulder impingement.
Low back overuse accounts for approximately 10 to14 percent of injuries.
INJURY PREVENTION MEASURES
The National Athletic Trainers’ Association suggests that high school athletes engage in conditioning training at least six weeks before the start of practice.
Previous injury is the most important risk factor for injury. Injury rehabilitation must be complete before return to play.
Ankle Injury Prevention: Emphasize avoidance of the center line during practice and teach players who jump forward when spiking to take longer steps prior to jumping and to jump straight up rather than forward.
Proper strength training will decrease injuries.
Learning to squat, jump, land, change direction, and balance will help prevent knee and ankle injuries.
Performing specific shoulder girdle exercises will help prevent rotator cuff and other shoulder injuries.
Core strengthening will help prevent lower back injury.
Buddy tape fingers, especially if previously injured.
Never play through pain! If you are recovering from an injury, do not return to play too soon. Follow your doctor's recommendations. Your team needs its players on the field, not on the sidelines.
Use padding around posts and maintain playing surfaces.
Remove all jewelry.
Make sure first aid is available at all games and practices.
For a PDF of the
VOLLEYBALL INJURY PREVENTION GUIDE, CLICK HERE.
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VOLLEYBALL INJURY PREVENTION GUIDE
