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Volleyball ankle braces: protecting the ankle at the net
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- Lace up volleyball ankle brace with straps. Best for: Hitters and blockers with a previous sprain. See options on Amazon
- Low-profile hinged or semi-rigid sport ankle brace. Best for: Players who want firm side support with free up and down motion for jumping. See options on Amazon
- Ankle support sleeve with stabilizing strap. Best for: Back-row players who want light support. See options on Amazon
- Balance pad or wobble board. Best for: Home balance training after a sprain. See options on Amazon
Where volleyball ankle injuries come from
The Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center (OSTRC) followed the Norwegian Volleyball Federation league over three indoor seasons. It reports that ankle injuries mainly occur at the net when landing after blocking or attacking, in the zone where an attacker may land on a blocker's foot or the other way around.
- The ankle was the most commonly injured region, at 54% of injuries, followed by the lower back at 11%.
- Of the ankle injuries, 79% were recurrences.
- Of 50 ankles with a sprain in the prior 6 months, 21 were reinjured, about 42%.
The message for players is clear: the ankle you have already sprained is the one most at risk.
What a prevention program achieved
In the OSTRC project, the league introduced a program with four parts: rule changes, external ankle protection using tape or ankle braces, technical training in take-off and landing for attacks and two-man blocks, and balance training after a previous ankle injury.
| Season | Ankle injuries per 1,000 player hours | Ankle injuries |
|---|---|---|
| 1992 to 93 (before) | 0.9 | 48 |
| 1993 to 94 (program introduced) | 0.7 | 38 |
| 1994 to 95 (evaluated) | 0.5 | 24 |
OSTRC describes this as a twofold reduction in ankle sprains. Because braces were one part of a package, the result supports the whole approach rather than braces alone.
Which brace style for volleyball
| Style | Feel | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Lace up with figure-eight straps | Firm, fabric, fits court shoes | Middles and outside hitters with a past sprain |
| Low-profile semi-rigid or hinged | Firm side support, freer up and down motion | Players who want lock-down without lacing |
| Light strap or sleeve | Minimal | Liberos and back-row players wanting comfort only |
The NATA position statement lists volleyball among high-risk activities and says both lace up and semi-rigid braces, as well as tape, are effective at reducing recurrent sprains. For details on the two main styles, see lace up ankle brace and stirrup ankle brace.
Fit tips for court shoes
- Low-profile matters. Volleyball shoes are often snug and light. Try the brace with your court shoes and game socks.
- Check jump and land. Do approach jumps and block jumps in it before a match. Look for rubbing at the ankle bones and heel.
- Both sides for blockers. Blockers land on both feet, so many choose to brace both ankles.
- Re-tighten between sets. Sweat loosens straps.
Beyond the brace
- Landing technique. OSTRC's program trained take-off and landing for attacks and two-man blocks.
- Balance work after an injury. NATA recommends a prevention program lasting at least 3 months focused on balance and neuromuscular control.
- History counts. NATA recommends that athletes with a history of ankle sprains use tape or a brace for all practices and games, and reports that 5 previously injured athletes needed to be braced to prevent one sprain.
- Persistent giving way. If the ankle keeps rolling even with a brace, get assessed; see orthopedic ankle brace for clinician-directed options.
What to look for when you buy
Lace up volleyball ankle brace with straps
Best for: Hitters and blockers with a previous sprain
Firm fabric support that fits most court shoes, and NATA lists lace up braces as effective against repeat sprains in high-risk sports such as volleyball.
Watch out: Takes time to put on; straps loosen with sweat.
See options on AmazonLow-profile hinged or semi-rigid sport ankle brace
Best for: Players who want firm side support with free up and down motion for jumping
Side shells resist rolling on a bad landing while a hinge or flexible design leaves the ankle free to point and flex for jumps.
Watch out: Can feel bulky in narrow court shoes; try before match day.
See options on AmazonAnkle support sleeve with stabilizing strap
Best for: Back-row players who want light support
A sleeve with one strap adds a little lock-down with almost no bulk.
Watch out: Not enough for a player returning from a recent sprain.
See options on AmazonBalance pad or wobble board
Best for: Home balance training after a sprain
Balance and neuromuscular training was part of the OSTRC program and is recommended by NATA for at least 3 months.
Watch out: Start on a stable surface and progress slowly; ask a physical therapist for a plan.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Should volleyball players wear ankle braces?
- Players with a past sprain have the most to gain, since 79% of ankle injuries in the Norwegian league study were recurrences. Others can choose based on comfort and position.
- What is the best ankle brace for volleyball?
- There is no single best model. A lace up brace with straps or a low-profile semi-rigid brace are the usual choices; pick the one that fits your court shoes.
- Do ankle braces affect jumping in volleyball?
- The sources cited here did not measure jump height. Choose a low-profile brace and test it with approach jumps before a match.
- Should I brace both ankles for volleyball?
- Many blockers and hitters do, since landings are often on both feet. At minimum, brace the ankle you have sprained before.
Sources
- Ankle injuries in volleyball: A prospective intervention study (klokavskade.no), Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center
- National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Conservative Management and Prevention of Ankle Sprains in Athletes (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), Journal of Athletic Training, via PubMed Central (NIH)