Basketball players wear face masks primarily for protection when they’ve suffered facial injuries. These injuries can include fractures to the nose, cheekbones, or eye sockets, which can be common in the physical, high-contact nature of the game. The face mask helps protect the injured area while the player continues to play, ensuring that the injury doesn’t worsen.
Face masks are typically made of lightweight, durable materials like plastic or carbon fiber and are custom-fitted to each player’s face for comfort and effectiveness. While the masks can be a bit restrictive at first, they provide crucial protection, allowing players to return to the court sooner and with reduced risk of further injury.
In some cases, players wear face masks even for minor facial injuries as a precautionary measure. It’s also worth noting that the decision to wear a mask often comes from team medical staff, who assess the player’s injury and recovery needs.
