Volleyball is a very dynamic and physically demanding sport that requires players to be constantly on the move, make quick jumps, and change their position rapidly. Ankle injuries (sprains, twists) are probably the most common nature of the game that constitutes the biggest problem set for volleyball players. As players improve their individual skills and focus more on the team strategy, many of them are so caught up in the game that they forget the most basic thing - ankle protection - not only for their progress but also for their continued success in the game. Moreover, if you have the ankle care, it is not only a safety precaution but it also allows you to play at your top level and keep your confidence when playing volleyball.
What Is A Volleyball Ankle Brace?
An ankle brace for volleyball is a support device that is manufactured with the main intention of providing support, stability, and protection to the ankle while preventing an eventual injury as well as helping in the healing process of the already injured-area. A volleyball ankle brace is worn by a player around the ankle in a way that it provides minimal injury risk, at the same time, it gives sufficient freedom for the performance of the jumps, pivots, and side-to-side movements. Along with the right choice in volleyball footwear, selecting the proper ankle brace can not only turn a player into a great performer but also a wise injury-preventer.
Elson Volley offers top-tier volleyball ankle braces that are suitable for both elite and casual volleyball players. The main features of our volleyball braces are long-lasting, comfortable, and stable to provide excellent support while allowing players from any level to play safely.
Reasons Volleyball Players Should Use Ankle Braces
Volleyball ankle injuries frequently occur due to:
Jumping & Landing - The repetitive jumping that occurs in volleyball can lead to a higher probability of a rolled or twisted ankle.
Quick Side-to-Side Movement - Extremely fast directions changes may result in ankle ligaments becoming stretched.
Collisions - If by chance, the contact is made with another player, you may suffer an ankle injury.
Prevention measures, for instance, wearing ankle braces, are good for players as they lower the chances of an ankle sprain and a twist, provide more stability and a better performance, and help the building of confidence, thus, players can fully concentrate on their game.
There are different kinds of volleyball ankle braces available on the market so that you decide which one fits your liking and the level of the activity that you are going to. That is just a little overview of the different types of ankle brace.
Types of Ankle Braces
Lace-Up Braces: Can be changed for the support as well as the fit. It is a great choice for a person with a past of injuries or a person who plays at a very high level of intensity.
Sleeve/Compression Braces: These are very light, flexible, and comfortable, and most likely will be used for daily training or recreational play.
Rigid/Plastic Braces: Are the most protective ones after a sprain and the ultimate solution to prevent further injury while still being able to play safely.
Elson Volley offers the best quality volleyball ankle braces, which are the ideal solution for both elite and recreational volleyball players. Our volleyball ankle braces deliver the three most important features for any sports support, namely: they are made of lasting materials, they are comfortable and they give the ankle a certain degree of stability. At the same time, they allow the players to engage in their activities without any risk of injury no matter their level of play.
How to Choose the Right Ankle Brace
Which of those ankle braces will serve you the best? Consider the below questions to help you find out:
Do the ankle braces fit you well? A tightly fitting ankle brace will be more effective in preventing it from moving down your leg during play, but the tightness should not be so extreme as to cause pain or discomfort.
How comfortable are the fabrics? Wearing an ankle brace made of soft materials will most likely lead to less irritation even if the wearer continues to put on the brace for a prolonged period.
How is your mobility when you wear the brace? Normal jumping and pivoting should still be possible with the brace on.
Shall the material be strong enough to be able to endure a long-lasting use? You should be able to pick the material that can stand against the stress that comes both from the sport and from sweat.
Determine the support you require. Decide that level that corresponds to your condition and manner of play.
Another idea of getting help to select the right ankle brace is to consult with a coach or physiotherapist who will better understand your requirements and give accordingly directed solutions.
Ankle Braces and Volleyball Culture
Volleyball ankle braces are good to have for a number of reasons.
Injury Prevention- Ankle braces are the gadgets that stop ankle sprains and the tearing of the ligaments. Thus, volleyball players can assume that they will have a lowered risk of heavy injuries when putting on ankle braces.
Increased Support- Ankle braces help your body to stay it stabil e while movements are made laterally (side-to-side) and you are rapidly changing your direction of movement.
Increased Player Confidence- Ankle braces give the players the feeling of being confident, which is the main reason, that they are allowed to focus on their performance without getting distracted.
Long Term Health- Ankle braces are the appliances that over time, they promote the development of healthy, strong ankles.
Correct Use and Care of Volleyball Ankle Braces
Be sure that your ankle braces are tightly worn before a game or practice session.
Always check the manual of your ankle brace and adhere to the directions for the correct lacing or if you need to change your ankle brace.
You should also make sure that you clean your braces after each usage and that you let your braces air dry after washing them.
Change your ankle braces with a new pair when the support that your ankle braces can give is worn out due to the usage that they have been put through.
Recommendations – Elson Volley
At Elson Volley, we suggest:
1) Put your money into a tough, reliable ankle brace that is going to offer you the best mix of support and freedom of movement.
2) Be sure that you are buying the right kind of ankle braces that correspond to your level of skills. We carry braces for beginners, intermediates, and professionals.
3) Never rely on ankle braces alone; always combine them with the proper warm-up exercises to decrease the likelihood of an ankle injury.
Conclusion
The first and foremost is that ankle injuries rank among the most common types of injuries, which are often the results of volleyball players' activities. Nevertheless, the use of ankle braces can enable players to cut down the risk of such injuries to a great extent. Besides the reduced risk of injuries, ankle braces can also enhance player performance and be a source of long-term ankle stability. Every player, irrespective of his or her skill level, ought to purchase a good ankle brace.
