Injury is part of sport. Almost every player deals with it at some stage, and I know it firsthand after rupturing my ACL at 20. What makes the biggest difference isn't only the rehab. It's whether the athlete still feels part of the team.
An injured player sitting on the sideline scrolling their phone is a missed opportunity. There's always something we can help an injured athlete develop while they're at training.
Modify, don't exclude
An injury to one part of the body doesn't have to stop a player working on everything else. Within the limits set by their physio or doctor, look for ways to keep them handling the ball:
- Stationary passing. If they can stand but not move, they can still work on passing technique, accuracy and release.
- Seated passing. If they can't stand, sit them on a chair and keep the ball moving. It keeps their hand-eye coordination ticking over and keeps their hands sharp for when they return.
- Ball skills at their level. Catching drills, passing to a target or working with a partner all keep them connected to the ball.
Always check what's been cleared by their medical team first. The goal is to keep them involved, not to slow their recovery.
Give them a role: the unofficial assistant coach
One of the best things you can do for an injured player is give them a job. Make them your unofficial assistant coach.
Ask them to watch a particular matchup, track a simple stat like centre pass receives or turnovers, or share one thing they noticed with the team at a break. It keeps them engaged and gives them a real reason to be there.
A different point of view
Seeing the game from the sideline is a learning opportunity in its own right. Off the court, players start to notice things they'd never see in the middle of play: how space opens up, where a defender is giving away a lead, why a structure works or doesn't.
Many players come back from injury with a better understanding of the game than when they left.
A chance to lead
An assistant coach role also gives the injured athlete the opportunity to share their views with their teammates and take on a leadership role. For a young player, that can build confidence and communication skills that last well beyond their recovery.
Check in, and keep the team connected
Injury can be isolating. The training sessions, the games, the friendships: suddenly an athlete can feel like they're on the outside looking in.
Check in on your injured athletes regularly, not just about their rehab but about how they're going. And keep the team connection strong. Include them in warm-ups where it's safe, in team talks, in celebrations and on game day. When they're ready to return, they should feel like they never really left.
Want to build stronger team culture and engagement in your program? Find out more about CC Netball's coach development workshops at ccnetball.com.
Written by Caitlyn Strachan
Caitlyn Strachan is a former Australian Diamond, triple ANZ Championship premiership player and founder of CC Netball.
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