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Ankle Dorsiflexion Rock (Knee-to-Wall)

BeginnerMobilityTier T0
Ankle Dorsiflexion Rock (Knee-to-Wall)

Ankle mobility drill that also loads the knee in a safe bent position. Essential for squat depth.

Targets: Knee
Muscles: Tibialis Anterior

Stop if

Choose an easier exercise if pain reaches 6 out of 10 or becomes sharp. Stop and rest if pain reaches 8 out of 10.

This is the general ClapMove rule. This exercise has no extra stop rule of its own.

  • Pain 6 out of 10 or more: choose an easier exercise.
  • Pain 8 out of 10 or more: stop and rest.

Equipment needed

  • Works at home
  • Works at the gym

Home Options

  • wall

Dosage

2

Sets

10

Reps / Time

30 sec

Rest

2 sec forward / 2 sec back

Tempo

Step-by-Step Guide

Set up

  • Stand facing wall, one foot about 4 inches from wall
  • Other foot steps back for balance
  • Hands on wall for support
  1. Ankle Dorsiflexion Rock (Knee-to-Wall) - Step 1 of 4: Bend front knee forward toward the wall

    Step 1 of 4

    Bend front knee forward toward the wall

  2. Ankle Dorsiflexion Rock (Knee-to-Wall) - Step 2 of 4: Keep heel firmly on floor throughout

    Step 2 of 4

    Keep heel firmly on floor throughout

  3. Ankle Dorsiflexion Rock (Knee-to-Wall) - Step 3 of 4: Touch knee to wall if possible

    Step 3 of 4

    Touch knee to wall if possible

  4. Ankle Dorsiflexion Rock (Knee-to-Wall) - Step 4 of 4: Return to start and repeat

    Step 4 of 4

    Return to start and repeat

Breathing

  • Exhale as knee moves forward
  • Inhale as you return

Form Cues

  • Heel stays glued down
  • Knee tracks over 2nd-3rd toe
  • Move slowly and controlled
  • Feel stretch in front of ankle

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Lifting the heel
  • Knee caving inward
  • Moving too fast
  • Foot too close or too far from wall

Safety Information

If knee hurts, check alignment. Safe for most people.

Progressions

Foot closer to wall, add holds at end range

Regressions

Foot further from wall