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Knee-to-Wall Dorsiflexion Rocks

BeginnerMobilityTier T1
Knee-to-Wall Dorsiflexion Rocks

Rock knee forward toward wall while keeping heel down to improve ankle dorsiflexion. Both a test and training drill for ankle mobility.

Targets: Ankle
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

3

Sets

10

Reps / Time

30 sec

Rest

2 sec forward / 1 sec hold / 2 sec return

Tempo

Step-by-Step Guide

Set up

  • Stand facing a wall
  • Place toes 2-4 inches from wall
  • Keep heel flat on floor throughout
  • Hands on wall for balance
  1. Knee-to-Wall Dorsiflexion Rocks - Step 1 of 4: Drive knee forward toward the wall

    Step 1 of 4

    Drive knee forward toward the wall

  2. Knee-to-Wall Dorsiflexion Rocks - Step 2 of 4: Keep heel firmly planted on floor

    Step 2 of 4

    Keep heel firmly planted on floor

  3. Knee-to-Wall Dorsiflexion Rocks - Step 3 of 4: Touch knee to wall if possible

    Step 3 of 4

    Touch knee to wall if possible

  4. Knee-to-Wall Dorsiflexion Rocks - Step 4 of 4: Return to start position

    Step 4 of 4

    Return to start position

Breathing

  • Exhale as knee drives forward
  • Inhale as you return

Form Cues

  • Heel stays down - this is non-negotiable
  • Drive knee over 2nd/3rd toe
  • Feel stretch in calf or front of ankle
  • Control the movement

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Heel lifting off floor
  • Knee caving inward
  • Standing too far from wall
  • Bouncing at end range

Safety Information

Stop if sharp pain at front of ankle. Avoid if recent high ankle sprain.

Progressions

Increase distance from wall (test: 4+ inches = good mobility)

Regressions

Start closer to wall, smaller range of motion