In a bid to ensure more netballers get the most from their sport, NSWIS Performance Partner Mizuno has launched the #MakeTheSwap campaign to highlight the issues around choosing the correct shoes for netball.

Despite being one of Australia’s highest female participated sport, with over 625,000  involved with netball each week, an extraordinary 76% of netballers aren’t wearing the correct shoes for the sport.

The vast majority play in running shoes or generic ‘trainers’ which don’t provide the necessary grip and support for the quick, dynamic movements needed in the game.

In addition to improving performance on court, the grip and support provided by specialist netball shoes can also help reduce the risk of ankle and knee injuries. Their durability also reduces the need to replace shoes on such a regular basis.

The image below highlights the key differences between a netball shoe and a running shoe when completing a “change of direction” movement on court.

During a regular 60-minute game of netball, players perform a vast range of dynamic movements, with up to 900 changes of direction. Players spend less than 40% of their time on court moving forward, with most activity including jumps, accelerations and deceleration’s involving lateral movements.

Chartered Physiotherapist (UK), Andy Curtis, comments:

“Running shoes are simply not designed for the ‘stop start’ motions in netball, where players are focused on change of direction and need stability as they come down from the air. Choosing a netball shoe rather than a running shoe, means players are more likely to have a stable knee and ankle position when they land – reducing the likelihood of injuries in those two areas.”

 

Mizuno UK Marketing Manager Graham Johnson says:

“In a standard 60 minute netball match a player playing centre position can cover up to 6-8km; the Goal Defence jumps 75 times, Goal Shooter 65 & Wing Defence 64; the Goal Keeper completes 151 Accelerations and 117 decelerations, Wing Defence 192 Accelerations and 248 Decelerations. In fact, all positions, except the Goal Keeper complete more decelerations than accelerations.”

“Most parents understand the need for correct footwear for sports like football and rugby, and it should be exactly the same for netball. We want women and girls to be able to fully enjoy the sport with a greater level of control and a reduced risk of injury.”

View the Mizuno netball range

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