The most common youth basketball injuries are the same for adults. Since it is a fast moving, action filled game, basketball can cause very serious injuries if players are not careful.
The following injuries happen the most in youth basketball:
Ankle Sprains – Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn. Basketball is a game of stopping, starting and cutting, so ankles become very vulnerable. You can help prevent youth sprained ankles by ensuing players stretch properly and are fit. If a youth player does sprain an ankle, they need to quit playing and follow the rest, ice, compression and elevation method.
Jammed Fingers – A basketball is a relatively hard object and when it is thrown in your direction, you might not catch it properly. This could lead to your finger or fingers becoming jammed, which can be avoided by following the proper passing and dribbling techniques. A jammed finger isn’t really jamming, but a stretching or trauma to the joints in the finger. It is critical that a jammed finger be treated asap with the rest, ice, compression and elevation method.
Knee Injuries – Jumping, stopping, starting, cutting and sprinting all can lead to knee injuries. There are various knee injuries, but the most common in youth sports are medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries. You can prevent most of the knee injuries by ensuring a player plays within their physical limits, stretches and is wearing the proper footwear.
Youth basketball is a dynamic, invigorating game that introduces children to a lifetime of excitement.