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Hi, I have a player who sustained a torn ligament injury in her ankle 3 weeks ago. Her physiotherapist has said she can return to light training. But I'm not sure what that means. Do I just let her do all the drills and rest her when it starts to hurt? Or should I adjust the drills? I'm just not sure. She is a player who always gives more than 100% and is itching to get back. But I really want to manage her injury properly. I'm not playing her in this Saturday's game or in next week's game (although she won't like it) and then I'll slowly get her back in the game 1 quarter at a time. Does anyone have any suggestions for what constitutes a "light training"?
Coach, Australia
TOP ANSWER
Lee-annes NetballCoach, Australia
Always hard one. I had a member of our team who returned from a broken ankle this year and also is one of those players who isn`t good at holding back either. Depends on how old she is if you can ask her to do the drills at half effort, and rest when she needs to, or whether she does not listen to her body. Is she wearing ankle guards? that might help her give her a little confidence (although I`m never a fan of guards as it reduces the ankle muscles fully strengthening as it relies on the guards to support it, but they also do help protect it). Really if in doubt talk to her physio (or get a letter from them) to find out exactly what they mean. but just ensure she isn`t putting too pressure on the injury so light changes of directions, stopping and starting, jumping and landing. so she just has to do it slower and more controlled, rather than at full pace. Good luck.
ANSWERS
Lee-annes NetballCoach, Australia
Always hard one. I had a member of our team who returned from a broken ankle this year and also is one of those players who isn`t good at holding back either. Depends on how old she is if you can ask her to do the drills at half effort, and rest when she needs to, or whether she does not listen to her body. Is she wearing ankle guards? that might help her give her a little confidence (although I`m never a fan of guards as it reduces the ankle muscles fully strengthening as it relies on the guards to support it, but they also do help protect it). Really if in doubt talk to her physio (or get a letter from them) to find out exactly what they mean. but just ensure she isn`t putting too pressure on the injury so light changes of directions, stopping and starting, jumping and landing. so she just has to do it slower and more controlled, rather than at full pace. Good luck.
