Netball Trainers Advice
Advice on Selection of Netball Trainers – by Ruth Cockerill, Physiotherapist
Many LANC players and parents will already know Ruth Cockerill, member of our current Premier Squad and ex England and Superleague player. Ruth is also a highly experienced physiotherapist, specialising in specialising in sports injury prevention and rehabilitation.
Thinking that players may have asked for new Netball trainers for Christmas, LANC approached Ruth for some advice on trainer selection, and this is what she said,
‘Netball is a unique sport that places a variety of demands on the body and feet, therefore a trainer designed specifically to accommodate the nature of the sport is advised. Asics are the main producer of Netball trainers but there are other brands producing them as well.
What to look for…
Due to the speed of change of direction and close proximity of players, stability is one of the main components required of a Netball trainer. The list below will guide you when buying a trainer:
Although a good, stable Netball trainer is important to provide support and help reduce the risk of injuries such as ankle sprains, it doesn’t replace the need to have good calf length, balance and peroneal strength.
For more information about how to reduce the risk of an ankle sprain, keep an eye on the website for our next column, or ring Physique Physio on 0113 8800 603.’
Many LANC players and parents will already know Ruth Cockerill, member of our current Premier Squad and ex England and Superleague player. Ruth is also a highly experienced physiotherapist, specialising in specialising in sports injury prevention and rehabilitation.
Thinking that players may have asked for new Netball trainers for Christmas, LANC approached Ruth for some advice on trainer selection, and this is what she said,
‘Netball is a unique sport that places a variety of demands on the body and feet, therefore a trainer designed specifically to accommodate the nature of the sport is advised. Asics are the main producer of Netball trainers but there are other brands producing them as well.
What to look for…
Due to the speed of change of direction and close proximity of players, stability is one of the main components required of a Netball trainer. The list below will guide you when buying a trainer:
- When you turn the trainer over and look at the sole, the width of the middle shouldn’t be too narrow compared to the heel and forefoot area (ball of foot).
- When you hold the heel of the trainer in one hand and toe end in the other, you shouldn’t be able to excessively twist it (like a cloth).
- You shouldn’t be able to fold the trainer in half, i.e. touch the toe above the tongue.
- The majority of the trainer should be leather not soft material.
Although a good, stable Netball trainer is important to provide support and help reduce the risk of injuries such as ankle sprains, it doesn’t replace the need to have good calf length, balance and peroneal strength.
For more information about how to reduce the risk of an ankle sprain, keep an eye on the website for our next column, or ring Physique Physio on 0113 8800 603.’
