Netball is one of the most popular sports in Queensland, especially among women and girls, with strong participation at school, club, and representative levels. The sport’s fast-paced nature, involving rapid acceleration, sudden stops, pivoting, and frequent jumping, makes it exciting and physically demanding. These high-intensity movements and close player contact can stress joints, muscles, and ligaments, leading to musculoskeletal injuries.
Access Ortho sees many netball-related injuries across all age groups, from junior players to elite competitors. At our Brisbane and Ipswich fracture clinics, we offer fast access to orthopaedic assessment, rapid referral for imaging, and evidence-based treatment to manage acute injuries. Our rapid care helps players to safely return to the court as soon as possible while minimising the risk of re-injury.
Common Musculoskeletal Injuries in Netball
- Ankle sprains include lateral ligament and syndesmosis (high ankle) injuries from awkwardly landing after a jump.
- Knee ligament injuries – ACL, MCL, and meniscus tears from sudden pivots and changes in direction.
- Hamstring and calf strains – from explosive sprinting and deceleration.
- Achilles tendon injuries – tendinitis or partial tears from overuse and sudden take-offs.
- Finger and hand injuries – including sprains, dislocations, and fractures from catching or deflecting the ball.
- Wrist fractures – often from falls onto an outstretched hand.
- Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome) – from repetitive running and jumping.