# Basketball - preventing injury

## **Basketball injuries**

Injuries while playing basketball are commonly caused by falls, player contact, awkward landings, abrupt changes in direction and being hit by the ball. Common types of injuries are:

* Injuries to the lower body, mostly ankle sprains
    
* Injuries to the hand, fingers, head, face and teeth
    
* Knee injuries – females are at higher risk of knee injury than males
    
* Overuse injuries – are most common in higher level players due to the duration and intensity of play.
    

## Preventing basketball injuries

To prevent injury you should:

* Be prepared.
    
* Wear the right gear.
    
* Check the environment is safe.
    
* Know yourself and the sport.
    

## Preparing to play basketball

Before you start playing basketball, remember to:

* Attend training so your body is ready.
    
* Warm up and stretch before playing.
    
* Cool down and stretch after playing.
    

## Wear the right basketball gear

When you're playing basketball, make sure you:

* Wear a mouthguard, preferably custom-fitted, at all times.
    
* Wear shoes designed for basketball.
    
* If you have a history of injury, speak to your doctor or physiotherapist about appropriate bracing or protective gear.
    

## Check the basketball environment

Check the basketball environment is safe and remember to:

* Remove hazards, such as stones and water, from the playing surface.
    
* Make sure backboards and baskets are of a high standard, securely mounted and well maintained.
    
* Make sure backboards, their supports and walls are padded.
    
* Make sure baskets and boundary lines are not too close to walls and fixtures.
    
* Ask a suitably qualified person, like a builder, to assess the safety of your installation if you install a ring at home.
    
* Do not fix a basketball ring or backboard to brickwork.
    

## Other basketball safety tips

General safety suggestions when playing basketball include:

* 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.
    
* Know how to use the equipment properly and safely.
    
* Never hang or swing on a basketball ring.
    
* Drink water before, during and after play.
    
* Do not play in extreme heat or wet conditions. Where possible, games should be rescheduled.
    
* Coaches, players and parents should be aware of heat illness symptoms.
    
* Qualified first aid personnel, first aid kits, icepacks and a stretcher should be available at all times.
    
* Telephone access, to contact emergency services, is essential.
    

## Respond promptly to basketball injuries

If you or someone else is injured:

* Remove injured or bleeding players from the court immediately.
    
* Seek prompt attention for injuries from qualified first aid personnel.
    
* Make sure you are fully rehabilitated before returning to play.
    
* Wear a brace for at least three months after serious joint injuries.