What to notice
A tournament schedule may be fixed while your playing time is adjustable. Give the coach useful information: minutes already played, a painful landing, unusual fatigue or a change in running and jumping.
Practical next steps
- Use time between games for meals, fluids and rest rather than extra conditioning.
- Check any swelling or restricted movement before warm-up.
- Agree reduced minutes or sitting out when symptoms interfere with play.
When to get help
Arrange assessment for persistent or worsening pain, swelling or difficulty using the area normally. After an injury, seek urgent help for severe pain, deformity, numbness or inability to bear weight.