Patient Education

Weak Ankles After Playing Volleyball

After playing volleyball for a few hours, my ankles feel wobbly and weak. What causes this? Is there something I can do about it?

This is actually a common experience for people who play basketball or volleyball. After intense activity, the ankle's ability to sense its position may be impaired. This could explain the awkward or clumsy feeling some people have after exercise.


The ability of a joint to sense its position is called proprioception. It is possible to improve proprioception through a series of specific exercises. Physical Therapists typically use these exercises to rehabilitate people after injury. The same exercises could be used as part of an athletic training program.