Posted 09/23/2010
My last blog “Do you know how to walk” focused on the importance of heel strike when you walk, and now I would like to further discuss this concept with athletic activities. Of course it varies with the type of athletic activity, but it is rarely advised to play or run on your heels! You will hear coaches say, “get ready”, “up on your toes”, or “game stance”. This is the nature of athletics, being on your heels will slow you down. For instance, in football, you must be ready to go when the ball is snapped. If you are back on your heels you will get beat by your opponent every time. When playing defense in volleyball, you will have trouble moving for the ball if you are sitting back on your heels waiting for the attack. The same is true when playing defense in basketball, and with many other athletic activities.
So, as an athlete, I would recommend that you remember the concept of heel strike when you are walking, and when you are not participating in your respective sport. You typically are only practicing or playing a game for a couple hours per day, and you walk the remainder of the day. In order to help offset the muscles that you use when you are running or jumping on your toes and decrease your likelihood for future injury, be sure to emphasize “heel strike” when you are walking before and after your athletic activities.
To email Jen with questions or comments, !
Posted September 23, 2010 at 8:57am by Jennifer Gloystein.
Tagged With: Cross Training • 0 Comments
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