Are ankle braces really necessary for volleyball?

Question

My varsity volleyball coach is requiring that everyone wear ankle braces. But I'm firmly against them. I've seen what happens when people forget to wear them. I play varsity soccer also and I don't want to become dependent on ankle braces and then not wear them in soccer and turn my ankle or worse. Plus I've researched that by wearing ankle braces you can end up having knee injuries. I'm going to talk to her but are there any alternatives to wearing ankle braces?

Answer 1

As a coach, I do not require my team to wear braces. I want my players moving and reacting on the court without having to think about "adjusting" to the braces. I have never met a coach that requires them but I do know that a number of coaches accept braces as common injury prevention. You should speak to your coach but when you do so, make sure that you are respectful. Telling her that you are concerned with what you found out about wearing braces when not needing them and that you have reservations. I must stress that you should be respectful and if the coach refuses to drop the braces, accept them and do not be a distraction.

Alternatives to wearing ankle braces is conditioning. There are workouts on uneven surfaces that researchers are finding to be a great way to prevent injuries. Search youtube for uneven surface workouts

Answer 2

dont wear the one where you have to tie them.. our whole vball team(var/jv/frosh) had to wear them and some of us(including me) just wore the ones where you slip them onto your ankle.. pretty cheap considering it was just 10$ of 2

Answer 3

I know some coaches that require them, but these coaches are at the college level where athletes only participate in indoor volleyball.  They require them because ankle injuries are so common in indoor volleyball.  

That being said, I think you are dead on with your response and approach to the coach's mandate.

Ankle braces are very helpful in recovery from an injury, but should not be used to prevent injury.  Wearing an ankle brace weakens your ankles that is, if you play for a long time with them, then attempt to play beach or grass, or forget them one day where you will playing without a brace, your ankle will not be as strong and you are more prone to sprains because of your built up dependence on the brace.  They're also expensive! There is no specific alternative, but you can see if your coach would allow high-top basketball sneakers, if she demands extra ankle support.  You should certainly express your concerns regarding the mandated ankle brace.

Answer 4

yes. i no some people that have fractucred or broke an ankle and even i have twisted one really bad that it swell and i had to sit out a 2 hour practice.

Answer 5

i play volleyball, and i mess up my ankles all the time. i think you only need to wear them if you have a sprain, even if its tiny just in case, or something more major then that. my right ankle has been messed up for a year now, so  i have to wear one everytime i play sports )=

i dont think your team should have to wear one if nothing wrong with your feet/ankles, because then youll get too used to them for other sports. just my opinion hope this helpsss[;