Safety Tips: Volleyball

Volleyball is a fun team sport, but injuries can happen. To keep things as safe as possible, players can follow these tips.

What Volleyball Safety Gear Do Players Need?

Using the right protection and equipment for volleyball can help prevent injuries. These include:

• Knee pads to protect the knees when sliding or falling.
• Padded shorts to protect the hips when diving for a ball.
• Other pads and braces, such as elbow or forearm pads, ankle or wrist braces, or thumb splints.
• Volleyball shoes for good traction on gym floors and extra padding for comfort. Choose shoes that have extra padding for comfort and good arch and ankle support.
• Mouth guards to protect the teeth, lips, cheeks, and tongue.
• Prescription goggles for players who wear glasses and shatterproof sunglasses when playing outside.
• Athletic supporters for guys and sports bras for girls for support and comfort.

How Can Volleyball Players Stay Safe?

Before starting the season, players should get a sports physical. Their doctor can check for any health problems and talk about sports safety. Most schools won't let athletes play unless they've had a sports physical within the past year. And being in good shape can help players avoid injuries.

New players should consider taking a volleyball lesson from a trained instructor who can teach the rules and show them the right techniques to use.

To stay safe, players should:

• Always warm up and stretch before practice and matches.
• Use proper technique. If there are concerns about technique, a trained instructor can help.
• Talk to teammates during the action so they don’t collide during plays.
• Stop playing if they feel pain or get hurt. Players must get checked by an athletic trainer, coach, doctor, or nurse before going back on the court.
• Know the symptoms of a concussion, like headache, dizziness or confusion. If they hit their head or don’t feel well, players should tell the trainer or coach right away. Follow return-to-play guidelines.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of liquids before, during, and after games and practices.
• If playing outside, use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and wear a hat. And check the court for rocks or objects that could cause trips or a twisted ankle.

What Else Should I Know?

• The team's coach should emphasize safe, fair play at practices and games.
• Players should be respectful of the referees and not argue with their calls. They should stay calm if an opposing player does something they disagree with. They should not take it personally or start a fight — let the referees handle it.
• It can help to play different sports throughout the year to prevent repetitive stress injuries (overuse injuries). These happen when someone trains too much or makes the same motions over and over.