Coaches should be guided by medical professionals regarding the rehabilitation of injured players, and coaches should not place any pressure on a player to participate until medical clearance has been given. The coach should be clear as to whether injured players are expected to attend practice, meetings and/or games.

Often, a player’s injury may stop them from full participation but will enable them to have some involvement. Subject to medical confirmation, an injured player may be able to:

• Participate as a passer in activities;
• Rebounding during shooting activities;
• Work on their fitness (e.g. riding on a stationary bike);
• Practice individual skills (e.g. dribbling, passing or shooting);
• Be a passive defender in dribbling or shooting activities (i.e. standing in a defensive position).

Even if the injured player cannot participate in any physical activities they could still be involved through:

• Recording statistics during practice;
• Acting as an assistant coach, providing feedback to other players (this can be particularly effective when it is a more experienced player that is injured);
• Helping players by getting drinks, towels etc as they are required;
• Standing with the coaches to ensure that they hear the feedback provided by the coach, also giving the coach an opportunity to question the player about aspects of play.