Girls ACL Injuries in Soccer
One of the most common injuries to girls in youth soccer is an ACL tear, and it happens at a rate significantly higher than it does in boys youth soccer. There are steps that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of this occurring.
For more information, this US Youth Soccer article gives a great overview of the topic.
Based on their recommendations, we incorporate the following two elements into our practices:
Instruction and Practice in Proper Jumping and Landing Form
Improper landing form after jumping stresses the ACL, so learning to land correctly is a strong step in reducing the likelihood of incurring an ACL injury. There are three elements to a correct landing form:
- Cushioning the landing rather than landing on locked legs.
- Making sure the knees do not buckle inwards on landing, but travel straight forward as the legs cushion the shock
- Landing with the chest over the knees
In our circuit training, we often include jumping over low hurdles, and the girls have been trained in how to land properly. Still, in particular with knees buckling inwards on landing, it can take quite a while to break bad habits. If you work with your daughter and notice this happening, take steps to reinforce proper landing form.
Agility Ladders
Light agility footwork using speed ladders has been shown to reduce the likelihood of ACL injuries, and we use two stations of agility ladders in our circuit work.