About this video
Last updated: 3 November 2026
The video calls it a common misconception that someone has to hit your knee to tear the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), noting that most ACL tears happen without a direct blow to the knee. When an athlete plants one foot to change direction while the body keeps rotating, the knee can collapse slightly inwards as the thigh rotates over the shin, placing sudden force on the ACL.
Key points
- The video says these movement patterns are measurable and have been studied in athletes during landing, pivoting and deceleration.
- It notes that many injury-prevention programmes focus on three areas: landing mechanics, hip and hamstring strength, and neuromuscular control (how nerves and muscles coordinate movement).
- While no programme can remove the risk of injury completely, the video says improving movement patterns may help reduce the likelihood of an ACL injury in some athletes.
- If a twisting injury in sport or training is followed by rapid swelling, a popping sensation or repeated episodes of the knee giving way, the video says it is important to establish whether stabilising structures within the knee have been injured.
Questions this video answers
Do ACL tears only happen from a direct tackle or blow?
The video says no. Most ACL tears happen without a direct blow to the knee. One classic way is when a planted foot stays fixed during a change of direction while the body keeps rotating and the knee collapses slightly inwards.
What movement areas do ACL injury-prevention programmes focus on?
The video highlights three areas: landing mechanics, hip and hamstring strength, and neuromuscular control. While no programme eliminates injury risk completely, improving these patterns may help reduce risk in some athletes.
Which signs after a twisting knee injury suggest the knee should be assessed?
The video names rapid swelling, a popping sensation, or repeated episodes of the knee giving way after a twisting injury on the field, court or during training.