Which 4 Sports Have the Highest Injury Rates?
And Why Recreational Softball Might Surprise You
As Dr. William Sterett, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery in the active mountain town of Vail, and Frisco, Colorado, I’m often asked which sports pose the highest risk for injury. You might think of extreme sports or high-speed activities first—but you may be surprised by what consistently shows up at the top of the list.
Based on national injury data, there are four sports that tend to have the highest injury rates—and yes, recreational softball is one of them. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these sports risky, what types of injuries are most common, and how you can stay safe while staying active.
1. Basketball
Fast Cuts, Hard Landings, and High Impact
Basketball consistently ranks at the top for injury rates across both youth and adult athletes. With its fast-paced tempo, constant jumping, and frequent changes in direction, the sport puts tremendous stress on joints—particularly the knees and ankles.
Common injuries:
Ankle sprains
ACL tears
Meniscal injuries
Patellar tendinitis
Injury prevention tip:
Emphasize lower-body strength, balance training, and proper landing mechanics to reduce the risk of knee and ankle injuries.
2. Football
High Contact, High Stakes
Football is known for its intensity and full-contact nature, making it a frequent contributor to both acute and overuse injuries. While protective gear helps, the sheer force involved in tackles and blocks creates a unique set of risks.
Common injuries:
Concussions
Shoulder dislocations
Knee ligament tears (ACL, MCL)
Hamstring strains
Injury prevention tip:
Maintain off-season conditioning, use proper tackling technique, and don’t skip warm-ups. Recovery time is critical to avoid compounding injuries.
3. Soccer
Lots of Running, Lots of Risk
Soccer combines speed, agility, and frequent contact—all of which contribute to its high injury rate. Athletes often experience lower-body injuries due to rapid direction changes and accidental collisions.
Common injuries:
ACL tears
Hamstring strains
Ankle sprains
Groin pulls
Injury prevention tip:
Invest in neuromuscular training programs that improve dynamic stability and help prevent non-contact injuries, especially to the ACL.
4. Recreational Softball
Surprisingly Risky for Weekend Warriors
It might come as a surprise, but recreational softball has one of the highest injury rates—particularly among adults who don’t regularly train or warm up. Sprinting to first base, diving for a ball, or swinging a bat without proper preparation can result in sudden injuries.
Common injuries:
Hamstring pulls
Shoulder strains or rotator cuff tears
Ankle and knee sprains
Hand and wrist fractures from slides or falls
Injury prevention tip:
Treat recreational softball like any other sport—warm up, stretch, and ease into the season. A pulled hamstring on the first sprint of the year is more common than you think.
Staying Active Without Getting Sidelined
Sports injuries happen—but many can be prevented with the right preparation, training, and awareness. At Dr. Sterett’s practice, we help athletes of all ages and skill levels return to the activities they love while staying injury-free.
If you’ve experienced a sports injury or want to put together a personalized injury prevention plan, request a consultation. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or year-round athlete, we’re here to keep you in the game.
