Deconstructing Cutting: An Evidence-Based Coaching Framework to Reduce Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk

Abstract

Few evidence-based guides exist to support coaches in delivering technical elements of cutting that may reduce the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. In isolation, balance exercises, jump landing, cutting movements, as well as modifying the penultimate step, may alter biomechanics favorably during this maneuver. By breaking this serial skill into its constituent parts, the coach is afforded an opportunity to observe trainable deficits, and allows the player more opportunity for practice. In addition, factors such as specificity to the direction of load during landings, alongside building capacity, and using externally focused cues may be crucial for adaptation and transference into open sporting scenarios.