23/03/2026
IT’S NETBALL SEASON!
With the Darwin netball season just around the corner, the Marrara courts are soon to be filled with goals, intercepts — and unfortunately, the occasional rolled ankle or twisted knee.
So let’s look in to the two most common injuries in netball, how we can prevent them and the best way to manage them?
Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in netball due to the sport’s dynamic movements, including cutting, pivoting, jumping, and landing in a confined court space.
Netball has one of the highest incidence rates of ankle sprains among all sports, accounting for approximately 40% of netball-related injuries.
Knee Injuries
Knee injuries, particularly anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures, are the second most frequently reported injuries in netball.
ACL injuries often occur when the knee collapses inward and rotates internally, typically during landing or change of direction movements.
Prevention Strategies
With the increasing incidence of netball-related knee and ankle injuries, injury prevention programs have gained significant attention.
Exercise-based warm-up programs have been proven to reduce injury risk, with studies showing a 50% reduction in ACL injuries among female athletes.
Netball Australia has developed a targeted initiative aimed at preventing knee and ankle injuries.
The Netball KNEE Program!
The program consists of four key components:
1. Warm-up & Footwork
2. Balance & Landing
3. Strength
4. Agility
If you, your child or a teammate experiences a knee or ankle injury - consult one of our expert sports physiotherapists.
We now offer “urgent acute sports injury” appointments.
📲 89418555�or
Book an appointment online:
https://elite-physiotherapy.au3.cliniko.com/bookings
www.elitephysiotherapynt.com.au/blog
Darwin Netball Association Incorporated
Nightcliff Netball Club Darwin
Pints Netball Club
Waratah Netball Club Darwin
Banks Bulldogs Netball Club