I’m a newbie to coaching high school football with my only experience really being that I was a high school player myself. But our tiny town doesn’t have money to hire anyone so it’s all volunteer for everyone. One of the other parents (also a former football player but he played through college) suggested certain players are more likely to experience ACL injuries. And that we should put them on a special exercise program now to prevent injuries. I’m all in favor but don’t really want to admit my ignorance. What players are we talking about here?

A proactive approach to potential sports injuries (especially the all-too-common knee injuries) is a good idea. Studies show that up to 15 per cent of all high school football players suffer some type of knee injury — anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears and ruptures being a major type. But other knee ligaments and the cartilage inside the knee (meniscus) are also often involved as well.

College-level programs and professional football players have started paying closer attention to this type of prevention program, too. There are certain positions that seem to put players at increased risk for knee injuries. Any sport or position that requires speed, quick changes in direction, and planting the foot and pivoting over it are red flags for injury prevention.

This type of description certainly fits many basketball players. In football, it’s the running backs and wide receivers who have to be quick on their feet, change directions often, and use pivoting motions that can put more load and stress on the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) than it can withstand. There is the same concern for other players (e.g., lineman) who are more likely to take hits directly to the knees. A strengthening and conditioning program can be very helpful in reducing knee injuries for all players, but especially these groups.