When I first started playing I didn’t even think about injury prevention. Even after a few ankle blowouts. When I started playing with the Melbourne Tigers I was introduced to tape. I saw all the NBL boys taping their ankles and various parts of their body. Few more ankle rolls later I got on board and for years I was taping both my ankles. Almost 10 years ago now one of my friends showed me his pair of ASO ankle braces. I was instantly won over; are you kidding me? I’ve been taping all this time going through meters of tape every week when all I need to do is lace up a pair of braces. *Face palm*
For the near 10 years these ASO braces have served me very well. I recommend every up and coming basketball player purchase a pair. The stability these braces provide are amazing with enough give to make sharp cuts and pivots. Provided you get the right size, the braces fits snug and never slips. Restrictions to movement is minimal and the restrictions are for bad movements. For example ankle roll.
The main positive for me is that having the braces on gives me added confidence taking the ball hard to the basket. I don’t have to worry about twisting awkwardly and rolling my ankle. If you are a slasher these braces will give you peace of mind.
Another positive about these is that they dry very quickly. Simply airing the braces after use will see it dry quickly and it doesn’t hold on to foot odour.
The braces have to be worn with long socks. Ankle and crew socks with these braces will be extremely uncomfortable. I am speaking from experience. The braces do cut into the skin if long socks isn’t worn (you seriously don’t need tube socks going up to your knee).
The braces come in two colours, black and white. Please do yourself a favour and get the black. White just stains and it just looks wrong. There are also two models of the braces, the ASO Evo and ASO standard braces. I have both and there’s not much to them. The only difference that I can see is the EVO is a little more padded making it a little bit more comfortable to wear. I’d opt for the EVO. The EVO and standard are the same price anyway.
Speaking about price. Well both versions and colours of the braces can be picked up from Eastbay for only $34.99. Visit this link http://www.eastbay.com/_-_/keyword-aso. Included in this site is a sizing chart for the braces along with customer reviews. I suggest having a quick read of the reviews.
If you are someone who currently tapes ankles, seriously try this product out. You will be converted. I promise you! If you are a basketball player staying injury free is extremely important. This is one bit of equipment that should be purchased to ensure you are out on the court and not on the couch.
Do you use ASO ankle braces? If so, what do you think? Please comment below.
