Back to School Preparations for Student Athletes

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It barely started and is almost over - summer vacation! It just isn’t long enough and as parents look at making back to school preparations, some may tend to agree. Special consideration for the student athlete is the necessary equipment for the first day of practice. If your child participates in an indoor sport like volleyball, they will need a pair of shoes that meet the demands of the sport and provide the best protection for their feet. Their street sneakers probably lack the desired gum-rubber sole that allows for the unique demands placed on them.

There are an estimated thirty million participants in volleyball so shoe manufacturers have researched and spent lots of time in developing footwear that:

• Grips

• Supports

• Absorbs shock

These are key features to look for when making your decision. Normal running shoes just won’t get the job done. Volleyball players do quick and frequent directional changes, which require a sole sure to grip the smooth floor. Manufacturers use a gum-rubber material for the outer sole allowing the participant to start, stop and pivot quickly and a herringbone pattern is added to help avoid slip and fall accidents.

Since the volleyball player spends most of the time on the balls of their feet or toes, support at the midsole is a must. Gel, liquid, air and foam are options that provide support and offer good energy return and rapid recovery.  The best support comes from custom orthotics.

High top shoes are available and aid the player with weak ankles and at the same time help to prevent sprain injuries. For the student athlete who prefers low top shoes, an ankle brace may be an option to consider or Immobilization tapping.

As a volleyball player, the student athlete relies on a shoe that will keep him or her safe and maximize their performance. If the current shoes just aren’t cutting it, perhaps it’s time to retire them and select a shoe with the desired capabilities. A sports store that specializes in indoor court sports has sales staff available to guide you and make recommendations. They are also the best go to person for advice on fit. Purchase the athletic socks you will wear with the shoes and buy the shoes to accommodate both feet and socks. Shoes should not feel tight, if they do, move a half-size up.  Consult with Dr. Bowman about correct shoes for any sport.

If after all this your student athlete sustains a sports injury, call Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886. His expertise as a former athlete can minimize lost time and get you back on the court. Online appointments are available at www.houstonfootspecialists.com

References:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/395899-what-type-of-shoes-do-you-need-for-volleyball
http://www.livestrong.com/article/392402-qualities-to-look-for-in-a-volleyball-shoe/

Related articles

• Incoming freshman volleyballer excited about 'playing volleyball all the time'
• Why Women Are More Likely to Get Injured
• How to Put More Traction on Volleyball Shoes