The purpose of this study was to gain a greater understanding of the emotions and coping
strategies utilizedwhenreturning to competition following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. For the players in this study, gaining confidence in the injured knee joint appears to be
influential, with increases in confidence provided by completing clinical and sport specific tests, and by
performance accomplishments. Successful return can be enhanced further by the use of a specific goal
setting program aimed at reintroducing the player to competition.