dynamic leg raises - supporting foot

[wynnema]

In dynamic leg raises, I have noticed that my supporting foot tends to rise up onto the ball during the raises to the front and side.

Is this ok or should I concentrate on keeping the heel down.

I can keep the heel down but the height of the leg raise is lower especially at the end of the set - when the stretch is the greatest.

 

[Miles]

The "heel up" or "heel down" is an ongoing debate in TKD circles. The argument for the heel up is you get a little more height in the kick. The argument for the heel down is that it is better for balance.

Personally, since it is just a stretch kick, I am not really sure it matters but I tell my students to keep their heel down. My rationale is that it is for consistency in the kick and the training. What does your instructor say?

Miles

 

[TigerWoman]

We do leg raises just for stretching at the beginning of the class. Heel up or down, its wherever you get your max stretch. It helps to stretch out the achilles tendon as well with the heel down. I had a bad pull lately because this wasn't stretched out enough before the workout. TW