Common Sources of Knee Pain in Netball

Knee pain is one of the most common injuries in netball, particularly in junior and

teenage players. With the demands of jumping, landing, sudden stops, and single-leg loading, it’s not surprising that the knee often bears the brunt of the sport.

For parents and athletes alike, knee pain can be confusing and worrying — especially when it starts to affect training, games, or confidence. Understanding the most common causes of knee pain in netballers is the first step toward managing it properly and preventing it from becoming a longer-term issue.

Why knee pain is so common in netball

Netball places unique demands on the body, especially the knees. These include:

• Frequent jumping and landing

• Repeated single-leg loading

• Rapid changes of direction

• High training volumes, often with limited recovery

• Growth and physical changes in youth athletes

When strength, movement control, or recovery don’t keep up with these demands, knee pain can develop.

Common causes of knee pain

1. Patellofemoral Knee Pain (most common in netballers)

Patellofemoral Knee Pain (PFP) is the most common source of knee pain we see in netballers, particularly in adolescent and teenage players.

This pain is typically felt around or behind the kneecap and is often related to how load is absorbed through the knee during movement — rather than a single damaged structure.

Common signs include:

• Pain around the kneecap during or after training

• Pain with squatting, lunging or stairs

• Discomfort during jumping and landing

• Symptoms that increase with higher training loads

In netballers, patellofemoral pain is often linked to:

• Reduced lower-limb strength

• Poor control during landing or single-leg tasks

• Rapid increases in training or game load

• Growth-related changes during adolescence

2. Growth-related knee pain (youth netballers)

During growth spurts, young netballers may develop knee pain related to growth plates, such as:

• Osgood-Schlatter’s disease

• Sinding-Larsen-Johansson syndrome

These conditions often present as:

• Localised pain just below or at the kneecap

• Tenderness with running and jumping

• Pain that fluctuates with training volume

While these conditions are common and usually self-limiting, they still benefit from appropriate load management and strength work to keep players active and confident.

3. Fat pad irritation

Fat pad irritation can mimic patellofemoral knee pain and is often overlooked.

Key features include:

• Pain at the front of the knee

• Discomfort when the knee is fully straight

• Pain with prolonged standing or walking

Because symptoms overlap with other knee conditions, assessment is important to ensure the right management approach is used.

4. Patellar tendon pain

Some netballers experience pain in the patellar tendon, particularly during:

• Jumping

• Sprinting

• High-volume training periods

This pain is usually felt just below the kneecap and can worsen with repeated loading. Tendon pain often requires careful load progression, rather than complete rest.

How is knee pain in netballers managed?

There is no single solution that works for everyone. Effective management usually involves a combination of:

Load management

Adjusting training and game demands without stopping activity completely.

Strength development

Targeting the muscles that help absorb force through the knee, including:

• Quadriceps

• Gluteal muscles

• Calf muscles

Here is a video demonstrating some of the exercises we commonly provide to develop lower limb strength.

Movement and landing control

Improving how the knee handles:

• Squatting, lunging and single leg squatting

• Single-leg landings

• Change of direction

• Deceleration tasks

Here is a video demonstrating some of the drills we provide to improve control of the knee position.

Taping

Strapping to support the kneecap can be a helpful strategy to improve symptoms in the short term. Here is a video which demonstrates how we tape the kneecap.

The True Active approach to knee pain in netballers

At True Active Physiotherapy, we take a structured, progressive approach to managing knee pain in netballers.

Our focus is on:

• Identifying the specific contributors to pain

• Keeping players active where possible

• Gradually rebuilding strength and confidence

• Supporting a safe return to training and competition

Rather than guessing or resting indefinitely, we guide players through a clear rehab pathway tailored to their age, stage of development, and sport demands.

When should a netballer be assessed?

We recommend seeking assessment if:

• Knee pain lasts longer than 2–3 weeks

• Pain worsens as training increases

• Confidence in the knee is dropping

• A player starts avoiding jumping or landing

• Parents notice changes in movement or performance

Early guidance can prevent a short-term issue from becoming a longer-term setback.

Support for youth netballers and developing athletes

Athena at True Active Physiotherapy has a strong interest in working with youth and developing netballers, supporting players through knee pain, post-injury rehabilitation, and return-to-sport planning.

Her calm, structured approach helps young athletes and parents feel confident in the rehab process — building strong movement foundations that support both performance and long-term joint health.

If you’d like tailored advice for knee pain in netball, you can book an appointment with Athena to have the knee assessed and a clear plan put in place.