Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament are often associated with sports that demand a lot of running -- like basketball and soccer -- or sports with significant contact like football or hockey. Softball players may not have as many knee injuries, but the game's start-and-stop nature, along with many of the movements that come with pitching and defense, can cause ACL injuries.
Sliding Into A Base
Softball requires players to slide into a base or home plate when a close play is at hand. The defensive player wants to tag the runner after she has the ball and the base runner wants to slide into the base. When the base runner slides into a raised base -- first, second or third -- an ACL injury may result if the player slides into the base too hard. If the base runner collides with the catcher at home plate, either player could receive an ACL tear or injury.
Base-Running Injury
Base runners often take off suddenly when a hitter drives the ball into the gap. The sudden movement can put stress on the knee and lead to an ACL sprain or strain. A runner who is caught in a rundown will run back and forth between bases as fielders try to tag her out. A misstep on the base paths could cause an ACL injury of some severity.
Chasing Down A Fly Ball
Outfielders will have to chase down fly balls that batters hit hard. As the outfielder sprints after the ball, she may aggravate a hamstring or strain the ACL. In some cases, the outfielder may approach a barrier like the outfield fence or the stands as she prepares to make the catch. If the outfielder goes into a slide prior to catching the ball and then hits the barrier, a torn ACL or serious knee injury may result.
Pitching
Softball pitchers are at risk for knee injuries when they drive off the pitch rubber. The pitcher does not throw off a raised mound as is done in baseball. However, she uses the pitching rubber to provide support and get more power for her pitch. Pushing hard off the rubber could strain the ACL and force the pitcher out of action. The pitcher also could injure her lead or stride leg, but that likely would not be an ACL injury.
