Understanding ACL Injuries
- Abigall Huang
- Feb 22
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 26
Whether you play netball, soccer, basketball, football, or another sport, you've probably heard someone mention an 'ACL injury'. But what actually is it, and why are women more likely to experience one?
What is the ACL?
The ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) is one of the main ligaments in your knee. It helps keep your knee stable when you run, jump, and change direction!
An ACL injury usually happens when the ligament is stretched or torn. This can occur without any contact from another player, often during a sudden pivot, awkward landing or quick damage of direction.
Why are female athletes at greater risk?
Research has shown that female athletes are more likely to tear their ACL than male athletes in similar sports. This is due to a combination of factors, including differences in body structure, muscle strength, movement patterns and hormones
This doesn’t mean you will get an ACL injury though! It simply means it’s even more important to train safely and build good movement habits.
Why are female athletes at greater risk?
While no injury is completely preventable, there are many things you can do to lower your risk:
Strengthen your legs, hips and core.
Practise safe jumping and landing techniques.
Learn how to change direction with good control.
Always warm up before training and games.
Listen to your body and rest if you’re feeling pain or extreme fatigue.
Many teams now include injury prevention exercises in their warm-ups because they have been shown to reduce the risk of ACL injuries.
Athlete Spotlight: Azzi Fudd
At just 17 years old, Azzi Fudd tore her ACL and MCL. She later faced another ACL injury during college, forcing her to miss an entire season. Through patience, rehabilitation, and determination, she returned to help UConn win a national championship in 2025. She is now making headlines in the WNBA becoming the #1 draft pick in the 2026 WNBA draft.
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