When I first started playing volleyball, one of the seasoned players on my team handed me a crucial piece of advice: invest in a good ankle brace. Like many sports that involve quick lateral movements, volleyball puts a significant amount of strain on your ankles. A sprained ankle can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to heal, depending on the severity of the injury, and nobody wants to sit out for that long. The recovery time alone should convince any serious player to be proactive when it comes to ankle support.
Most volleyball players, at some point in their careers, invest in ankle braces. For those who regularly train or compete, an ankle brace can significantly reduce the risk of injury. According to a study conducted by the American Journal of Sports Medicine, the use of ankle braces in sports reduced the incidence of acute ankle injuries by up to 50%. This statistic alone is enough to sway even the most skeptical players. The primary function of the ankle brace is to stabilize the joint by limiting its range of motion and absorbing some of the stress from sudden movements or awkward landings.
In terms of actual time spent wearing it, the recommendations vary depending on individual circumstances. For instance, I remember reading a piece by an athletic trainer who emphasized wearing the brace during all playing sessions for at least the first six months after recovering from an ankle injury. For those who haven’t suffered an injury, wearing a brace during practice sessions and games is a wise preventive measure. This could mean wearing the brace for about 2-3 hours on practice days and even longer during tournaments which might last all day. The important detail here is consistency rather than focusing solely on duration.
The industry standard size for a good ankle brace will fit snugly without being overly restrictive. Most are adjustable, accommodating various foot sizes while providing ample support. These braces generally last about a season or roughly 6 to 9 months, depending on how rigorously you use them. The average cost for a quality [Volleyball Ankle Brace](https://www.fivalifitness.com/collections/volleyball-ankle-braces) ranges from $20 to $60. Considering the price of physical therapy sessions or the potential setback from missing games, this price seems a small investment for the safety it provides.
You might be wondering, is it ever okay to play without an ankle brace if you’re not injured? For younger players, whose muscles and joints are still developing, it’s almost always a good idea to use some form of support. However, some veteran players with strong ankles and years of training under their belts sometimes choose to play without them. This decision often hinges on personal preference and comfort level, but in general, the consensus is to lean on the side of caution. For the most part, even professionals recommend keeping an ankle brace on hand for periods of intense gameplay or when transitioning to new shoes that may affect your balance and stability.
While wearing an ankle brace, you might notice a slight restriction in movement, but this is simply a trade-off for the safety it provides. The pros far outweigh the cons, especially when considering the stakes of playing without one: potentially sitting out a whole season if an injury occurs. Also, if someone ever asks you why athletes choose to wear them, remember that according to a survey published in the Journal of Foot & Ankle Research, 76% of athletes felt a noticeable improvement in stability during play when using braces.
Remember Jessica Ennis-Hill, the British track and field Olympic gold medalist? She once said that her performance was as much about injury prevention as it was about training hard. This mindset readily applies to volleyball players and the decision to use an ankle brace regularly. Just as athletes across disciplines incorporate stretching and strengthening exercises into their routines, wearing supportive gear like ankle braces complements those efforts by providing an additional layer of protection.
So, how long should you keep wearing your ankle brace? The practical answer is: as long as you’re playing, especially during intense or competitive matches. Think of it as an essential part of your volleyball gear—a piece of equipment that helps keep you on the court rather than sidelined with an injury. Whether just starting out or deep into the competitive scene, many players find that keeping their brace on is a step toward longevity and success in the sport.