Understanding Footedness
Like handedness, footedness is a natural neurological preference for one side of the body. It represents a movement asymmetry where one limb is consistently favored over the other for certain tasks. While handedness is more widely discussed, footedness is an equally important aspect of body awareness and can be a critical factor in sports like soccer, skateboarding, surfing, and snowboarding. Interestingly, footedness is less influenced by societal pressure or training than handedness, offering a clearer picture of your natural body preference.
The Top 5 At-Home Footedness Tests
Determining your dominant foot doesn't require a lab; a few simple tests can provide clear insights. It is best to try these without overthinking the result, allowing your natural instincts to take over.
The Kick Test
This is perhaps the most intuitive test. Stand with a ball (a soccer ball or dodgeball works well) in front of you. Imagine you need to kick it to a target or across the room. The foot you instinctively use for kicking is your dominant, or power, foot. Your non-dominant foot will be the one you plant on the ground for balance.
The Push Test
This test requires a partner and an open, clear space. Stand with your feet together, facing away from your partner. Have them give you a gentle, unexpected push forward. The foot you step forward with to catch your balance is often your dominant foot. For boardsports, this foot will typically be your back foot for control, while your non-dominant foot acts as the lead for stability.
The Stair Test
Find a set of stairs. Stand with both feet level at the bottom. Without thinking, simply begin walking up the stairs. The foot you use for the very first step is likely your dominant foot, as it is the one you subconsciously rely on for the initial, powerful movement. Repeat this a few times to ensure consistency.
The Slide Test
This is a classic test for board sports athletes. Put on a pair of socks and find a smooth, slippery floor. Take a short running start and then slide across the floor. The foot that naturally comes forward to lead the slide indicates your stance for surfing, skateboarding, or snowboarding. If your left foot leads, you are 'regular.' If your right foot leads, you are 'goofy'.
The Pants Test
When you put on a pair of pants, observe which leg you lift off the ground first to put the pants on. The foot you balance on is your dominant foot, as it provides the stability needed for the one-legged stance.
Footedness in Sports: Regular vs. Goofy
In many board sports, your footedness determines your stance. Here is a simple comparison:
| Characteristic | Regular Stance | Goofy Stance |
|---|---|---|
| Lead Foot (Front) | Left foot forward | Right foot forward |
| Rear Foot (Back) | Right foot (dominant) | Left foot (dominant) |
| Commonality | Most common stance | Less common but not rare |
| Power Foot | Right foot | Left foot |
| Balance Foot | Left foot | Right foot |
It is worth noting that some experienced athletes can become comfortable riding in both stances, a skill known as 'switch stance'. This can provide a significant competitive advantage.
What if you're ambipedal or mixed-footed?
Some individuals don't have a strong preference for either foot, leading to mixed-footedness or ambipedality. This can be advantageous in certain sports, as it means both feet can be developed to a high degree of skill. In fact, professional soccer players who are proficient with both feet often earn more due to their enhanced abilities. If your test results vary, you may fall into this category. With conscious training, you can develop impressive skill and power on both sides.
How footedness impacts your health and performance
Knowing your dominant foot is more than just a party trick; it's a valuable piece of information for your overall physical health and athletic training. Many people unknowingly have muscle imbalances, where their dominant leg is significantly stronger or more powerful than their non-dominant leg. This can lead to:
- Increased injury risk: Over-relying on one side can cause imbalances and increase the risk of strain or injury in the weaker limb.
- Reduced performance: Whether it's running, jumping, or maneuvering, an imbalance limits your full athletic potential.
- Unconscious bias: Like the anecdote about people walking in circles in the woods, our dominant side can subtly alter our gait and movement patterns.
By identifying your footedness, you can implement targeted exercises to strengthen your non-dominant leg and achieve better balance and symmetrical strength. This leads to more efficient movement and a reduced risk of overuse injuries.
Conclusion: Leverage your footedness for better health
Understanding how you know what footed you are is the first step toward better body awareness and enhanced physical performance. By performing simple, instinctive tests, you can uncover your natural preference and use that knowledge to your advantage. Whether for sports or just for better balance in daily life, consciously addressing your body's asymmetries can lead to significant improvements in your overall physical health. Embracing your weaker side through targeted training will not only make you a better athlete but also build a more resilient and balanced body for the long run. Learn more about improving your weaker foot through specific training drills and techniques https://www.ussportscamps.com/tips/soccer/5-ways-to-improve-your-weaker-foot.
