Since the torn Achilles injury in the 2025 NBA finals, there has been an immense talk and stir up about injury prevention at the top level of professional sports. Is there a main reason?! In short, yes! There are many. There are 82 games + playoffs in a NBA season. However if this were the only case, it wouldn’t be a good argument. In the same year, the NFL had over 22 Achilles season—ending injuries. Thus, this destroys the argument of overuse. So what’s going on? Many athlete’s off-season programs have become slightly relaxed, with only elite players seeking out constant adaptations. The process of creating ideal torque in weight training and full functionality of the foot and ankle are not being met to the professional standards of science. Meaning, athlete’s can’t work through their patterns barefoot. I bought a pair of men’s GT- 2 cutbacks from Nike and felt like my foot was a in medieval vice machine. This is what happens when you need to cut hard with the foot in plantar flexion (heel up) and the ankle joint lacks range of motion and big toe flexion. Put simply, if athlete’s try to maximize force from the ground with the heel flat, this results in a tear, rupture, or other serious injury. Crazy talented, gifted athlete’s have lost their ankle abilities from spending too much time in clunky, over tight footwear. I have trained power cleans, hang cleans, deadlifts, squats, lunges and all my plyometrics in Xero drop shoes without arch support. So that when I do lace up and put on a cleat or a high top, my range is ready. Athlete’s are simply missing dorsiflexion range, hip rotation, and may have limited endurance in plantar flexion strength and balance—putting stress on the hips and ankles and limiting their strength in the glutes and hamstrings. Basically, liberal organizations have gone a bit soft, and need to allow talented trainers to get in their shit. Here in an isometric loaded position, I’m using the slant board prop to put myself in the most difficult end range dorsiflexion position. I am pulling in with the opposing arm, and while KEEPING THE HEEL DOWN, I drive the knee as forward as I can. ****hint, it won’t move a lot. If you don’t feel it in the back of your ankle, try pushing harder. 3-4 reps per 5-10 seconds per side. I do this 2-3 x weekly.