What Kind Is Best—and Do They Really Help?
Volleyball is one of the most exciting sports to watch—and one of the toughest on ankles.
With frequent jumping, landing, quick changes of direction, and the occasional landing on another player’s foot at the net, ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in the game.
It’s no surprise that many athletes ask:
“Should I be wearing ankle braces?”
For many volleyball players, the answer is yes.
Why Are Ankle Injuries So Common?
Most ankle sprains happen when the foot rolls inward after landing from a jump.
This often occurs when a player lands awkwardly or accidentally steps on another player’s foot after a block or spike.
The ligaments on the outside of the ankle stretch beyond their normal limits, leading to pain, swelling, and instability.
Unfortunately, once you’ve sprained an ankle, you’re more likely to sprain it again.
Do Ankle Braces Really Work?
Research says they do.
Studies have shown that external ankle braces can significantly reduce the risk of ankle sprains—particularly in athletes who have already suffered one in the past.
Braces don’t eliminate injuries completely, but they can reduce excessive rolling of the ankle while still allowing enough movement to run, jump, and change direction.
Think of them as an extra layer of protection—not a substitute for strong muscles and good balance.
What Kind of Brace Is Best?
Not all ankle braces are created equal.
For volleyball, physiotherapists often recommend lace-up ankle braces or semi-rigid braces with supportive straps.
These braces:
- Help limit excessive rolling of the ankle
- Fit comfortably inside most court shoes
- Allow jumping and quick movement
- Provide consistent support throughout a game
Simple elastic sleeves may provide compression and warmth, but they offer very little protection against rolling your ankle.
Who Should Consider Wearing One?
An ankle brace may be a good idea if you:
- Have had a previous ankle sprain
- Feel your ankle “gives way”
- Play competitive volleyball
- Have multiple tournaments in a short period
- Are returning to sport after an ankle injury
Many elite volleyball players routinely wear braces during practices and games, especially after previous injuries.
Won’t My Ankles Become Weak?
This is probably the biggest myth surrounding ankle braces.
Wearing a brace during games has not been shown to make healthy ankles weak.
However, braces should never replace proper rehabilitation.
Strong calf muscles, good balance, excellent landing mechanics, and sport-specific training remain the foundation of injury prevention.
Think of the brace as your seatbelt—it provides protection, but you still need to know how to drive.
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
If you’ve rolled your ankle—even if it was months ago—it may not have fully recovered.
Physiotherapy can help by:
- Restoring ankle mobility
- Improving balance and proprioception
- Strengthening the muscles around the ankle and hip
- Teaching safer landing mechanics
- Assessing whether a brace is appropriate for your level of play
Many repeat ankle sprains happen because the balance system hasn’t fully recovered after the first injury.
The Bottom Line
For volleyball players, especially those with a history of ankle sprains, a well-fitted lace-up or semi-rigid ankle brace can be an excellent way to reduce the risk of future injuries.
The best approach combines the right brace with proper strength training, balance exercises, and good jumping and landing technique.
After all, the only thing that should leave you on the floor after an amazing rally is exhaustion—not another rolled ankle.
