How much ankle dorsiflexion range of motion does a swimmer need?
If we analyze a swimmer’s performance, whether a sprinter or a distance athlete there are two phases which require a certain level of ankle dorsiflexion.
The block start (or from the wall in the case of backstroke) and the turn. It is very clear how much of an impact these two phases can have on a swimmer’s final result. Furthermore, we should not forget the importance for a breaststroker on having access to this range of motion, as it enables an efficient kick and guarantees optimal propulsion.
Too often coaches make the mistake of attributing a poor level of coordination to an athlete’s inability to perform a motor task. You will see athletes performing hundreds of technical drills without getting any results. In the worst case, the coach may think the athlete is not talented enough, but the reality is that you can’t move what you can’t move. The cause is often right under your eyes and represents the foundation of our movements: the mobility.
There are other reasons why a swimmer should not underestimate the importance of an adequate amount of dorsiflexion
First of all, it’s extremely important in daily activities like walking or climbing stairs. It seems like both…
