Last year, 1122 Otago basketballers claimed for injuries, costing the taxpayer $1.4 million to help them recover.
The regions with the highest number of claims last year were Auckland (9688), Canterbury (2924), Waikato (2000), Wellington (1971) and Bay of Plenty (1721). Otago was sixth.
Nationwide, the ACC received 22,926 basketball injury-related claims, costing more than $30m.
ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker said the basketball club season was just beginning around New Zealand, and he urged players to be ready for the court through good training habits.
"Players often begin the season without the right fitness and conditioning.
"It’s crucial players follow a good strength and conditioning programme before and throughout the season, including putting your body through the movements you’ll use in the game.
"That way you will take the court ready to go when the ref tosses the first ball."
He said basketball injuries were most common among the 10-14 age group (8247), followed by the 15-19 (5850) and 20-24 (1994) age groups.
Injury claims were also more common among males (18,511) than females (4402).
Mr Whitaker said research showed 90% of all injuries were predictable and, therefore, preventable.
The ACC has partnered with Basketball New Zealand to provide a range of resources for players, coaches and referees to improve performance and reduce injury risk on the basketball court.
He encouraged all players to follow the ACC’s injury prevention tips.
"A dynamic warm-up should be done before every training and game, and should start off at low intensity and gradually progress from a simple series of movements to a more specific and higher-intensity level.
"This helps players prepare muscles and joints to move at the speed and intensity of the following game or training.
"The cool-down should include static stretches to help your body recover."
He said basketball was the sixth-highest sport in 2024 for concussion-related claims, after rugby, football, cycling, rugby league and hockey.
So, he urged players and coaches to be aware of the symptoms.
"Basketball is one of the fastest-growing sports in Aotearoa and ACC is ensuring players are supported to stay in the game all season long."
