Plantar Fascia Ball Roll

Rolling a small ball along the underside of the foot with graded pressure. One to two minutes per foot, commonly used after running or long periods standing.

DIFFICULTY
Beginner
EQUIPMENT
Massage ball
PRIMARY MUSCLES
Plantar Fascia · Feet & Arch
ALSO WORKS
Calves · Soleus
HOW TO DO IT
  1. 01Stand next to a wall or chair and place a small ball under the arch of one foot.
  2. 02Put only as much weight through the foot as you can breathe comfortably under.
  3. 03Roll slowly from just in front of the heel to the base of the toes over about ten seconds.
  4. 04Pause on any dense spot for twenty to thirty seconds while spreading and curling the toes.
  5. 05Work one to two minutes per foot, then stand on both feet and notice the difference before switching.
COACHING CUES
  1. 01Slow passes, heel to toes, no skidding.
  2. 02Hold the wall so you can control exactly how much weight goes down.
  3. 03Spread the toes while you pause on a spot.
COMMON MISTAKES
  1. 01Standing full weight on the ball immediately — the foot tenses and guards for the whole set.
  2. 02Rolling straight onto the heel bone — there is no useful tissue there and it just hurts.
  3. 03Racing the ball back and forth — speed replaces pressure and the pass accomplishes nothing.

Note: Reference material, not a prescription. Load, volume and whether this movement suits you at all depends on your assessment — if something hurts, stop and get it looked at.

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