Let me tell you, keeping your volleyball ankle support in top-notch condition is crucial. I learned this firsthand after I started playing regularly, and the difference in performance is night and day.
First off, immediately after using it, you want to make sure you air it out. Sweat and moisture can drastically reduce the lifespan of your support. Trust me, I've seen mine go from perfectly good to unusable in just a couple of weeks when I neglected this step. Studies show that synthetic materials can degrade up to 30% faster when they're not properly dried. After games or practice, I always hang mine up somewhere with good airflow; a locker or your sports bag is a no-go. Using this one simple habit, I've managed to extend the lifespan of my supports by months.
Cleaning is equally important and, let's be honest, who wants a smelly support? I learned that hand washing with mild detergent does the trick. Machine washing might seem convenient, but it can really mess up the elasticity and shape. I once tossed mine in the washer and after a few cycles, they were almost useless. The key here is to be gentle. I usually wash mine every three or four uses. In extreme cases, or really sweaty matches, I might wash more frequently. An athlete from our local club gave me this advice, and it has saved so much hassle.
I can't stress enough the importance of rinsing thoroughly. You don’t want any detergent residue left in the fabric. This step can make the difference between a snug, comfortable fit and something that feels irritating against your skin. Typically, I spend about two minutes rinsing each support until the water runs clear. It’s time well spent considering how expensive good quality ankle supports can be. Just last season, I paid around $40 for a pair, and I’m not keen on buying new ones every few weeks.
Another thing to keep in mind is drying speed. This isn't something you want to rush by putting them in a dryer. High heat can warp the material and make them less effective. I usually lay them flat on a clean towel and leave them overnight; they’re usually ready by the next day. If you're pressed for time, using a fan can help speed up the process without damaging the fibers.
Regular inspection is a good habit to get into. Look for signs of wear and tear such as thinning fabric or frayed edges. These are usually indicators that it's time to replace them. I check mine every two weeks and compare the condition to a new pair I keep as a reference. In the NBA, players replace their supports frequently to ensure they’re always in top shape. While we're not all professionals, taking a leaf out of their book isn't a bad idea.
Another tip I got from a college volleyball coach is to rotate supports. Don’t just rely on one pair. I have a couple of pairs that I rotate through. This allows each one to fully dry and recover its shape between uses. It’s like rotating shoes; they last longer when they’re not used every single day. The upfront cost might seem high, around $80 for two pairs, but in the long run, it balances out as they both last longer.
So there you have it. If you're serious about keeping your volleyball ankle support in the best condition, make sure you air them out, wash them gently, rinse thoroughly, dry them properly, inspect regularly, and rotate pairs. Not only will you prolong their lifespan, but you’ll also ensure they provide the support you need on the court.