[mharris]

mharris on June 24, 2006 at 9:51 pm #11977

I have heard the word "dorsiflexed" countless numbers of times but i'm not sure when it occurs. In other words, should you ALWAYS keep your foot in a dorsiflexed position when sprinting or ONLY when you are bringing your foot down?

[Mike Young]

Mike Young on June 30, 2006 at 9:26 am #54920

The foot should begin the ACTION of dorsiflexion just after toe off. The ankle should be in a slightly dorsiflexed POSITION prior to the downward movement of the thigh. This will help to stretch the gastroc which can play a small role in hip extension (by way of it's fascial meridians). More importantly, it will ensure an optimum ground contact.

ELITETRACK Founder

[flight05]

flight05 on June 30, 2006 at 9:27 am #54921

just make sure u dont dorsi flex throughout the entire leg cycle. as mike said just before u hit the ground point ur big toe up..

[Mike Young]

Mike Young on July 2, 2006 at 11:40 am #54922

I actually think that it should start after toe off because it effectively shortens the moment arm of the swing leg (albiet slightly) and permits a faster swing. What I don't advocate is a really 'aggressive' dorsiflexion where the athlete's ankle actually flexes beyond a neutral position.

ELITETRACK Founder

[hscoach]

hscoach on July 5, 2006 at 7:12 pm #54923

how do you teach this? what cues do you use?