Calf Stretch
Step one foot back with the heel down and bend the knees to stretch the calf and Achilles tendon.
Demonstration
Official photo sequences from the Army's drill manual, read left to right, top to bottom.
Photos: U.S. Army Center for Initial Military Training, ATP 7-22.02. Approved for public release.
How to perform it
Recovery Drill, exercise 7 of 8
Held position, on commandHold either stretch position 20–30 seconds.
Starting position
Straddle Stance with hands on hips.
Straddle Stance: Stand with the feet pointing ahead and shoulder-width apart. ATP 7-22.02, para. 2-5, p. 2-3 (opens the official PDF)
Commands and movement
- 1READY, STRETCH. Step the left foot 1–2 feet back, flat on the ground. Keeping the left heel down, bend both knees until you feel a stretch in the left Achilles tendon.
- 2STARTING POSITION, MOVE. Return to the starting position.
- 3READY, STRETCH. Repeat with the right leg. To stretch the calf more, step further back and lock the right knee, keeping the right foot pointing forward.
- 4STARTING POSITION, MOVE. Return to the starting position.
What it develops
Increases flexibility of the ankle.
Focus: Calf, Achilles tendon, Ankle
Form
Drawn from the cited instructions.
Cues
- Keep the rear heel on the ground.
- Keep the rear foot pointing forward.