A common question

“If I wear ankle protection, won’t my ankles become weaker?” ask Elandr Sport
This concern is understandable, but the reality is very different.

Strengthening Through Purposeful Training
You don’t play netball to strengthen your legs, you play to enjoy the game. Strengthening exercises, like those in your strength and conditioning (S&C), rehabilitation, or prehab programs, are essential for building robust muscles and joints. If your only activity is the occasional netball match, you’re not maximizing your potential for strong, injury-resistant legs.

The Role of Ankle Protection
Ankle supports, braces, or tape don’t replace strength training, they complement it.

They:
• Reduce the risk of ankle sprains, which are extremely common in netball. Around 80% of players experience at least one ankle roll in their career.

• Provide stability during high-intensity movements, helping prevent injuries that could sideline you.

• Protect your ligaments from long-term damage. Once ligaments are torn, whether from a minor or major injury, they never regain full strength unless surgically repaired. Even after recovery, the ankle is more vulnerable to recurrent injury.

Wearing ankle protection does not weaken your ankles. On the contrary, it helps prevent injuries, preserves your ligaments, and allows your strength and conditioning work to pay off on the court. Protection is a proactive step to keep you playing safely, season after season.

Remember, once your ligaments have torn, whether from a minor or major ankle injury, they’re forever weaker unless treated surgically, leaving them more vulnerable to recurring injuries. Strengthening your ankles through regular training can help protect them, and we recommend at least twice weekly for maximum impact. To make it easy, try our at-home Pilates class designed specifically for ankle strength here.

This article was provided by Elandr who specialise in Netball trainers – their website can be found here