Changing direction is often associated with ACL injuries.
But did you know there is more than one way to change direction? Here are the three ways you could step around an opponent in sport
- Single Leg
This is the way we traditionally change direction. Single leg, sharp step at high speed. It’s almost the most common way ACL injuries occur.
That is not to say that change direction like this is bad. Athletes move like this all the time.
2. Double leg step
This way of changing direction is safer, but slower and more obvious. which means that its not as often used. It might be a good way to do it if you are returning to sport, but most athletes will often transition back to the first method
3. Step over
This method of changing direction is more often used in 360 degree sports, such as netball and AFL, especially when trying to lose your marker. Again, its a safe way of changing direction .
Conclusion
These different methods are less about being “safe” and more about giving yourself movement options when playing, and trying to get around an opponent
By Jay Kasthuriarachchi (Physio)
