The USTA Newsletter for Tennis Coaches
·
2012
The USTA Newsletter for Tennis Coaches
·
2012
13
HIGH PERFORMANCE COACHING
VOL. 13, NO. 1
Semi-rigid are often the orthotic type of choice for high
level tennis players. These devices come in full-length
and ¾-length sizes, and attempt to control some of
the motion of the foot and provide both cushion and
support to the player while the device is worn. These
devices can be ordered by the health care provider
using either casting of the foot, or an imprint of the
foot by stepping into a depressible foam box. Some
types of "semi-rigid" devices can be obtained in a non-
custom fashion based on shoe size with small pads or
posting applied to these devices to make them more
supportive for the player's needs. Typically, custom
semi-rigid devices take several weeks to manufacture
and last for as little as 6 months to as long as several
years based on the players wear pattern and needs.
Finally,
rigid orthotics are not typically used in athletes,
as they are too rigid and supportive for running and
aggressive activities. These types of orthotics are used
for individuals who have very significant foot deformities
and require extensive control of their foot during
weightbearing. Some players may require this level of
support however, this is not typical in most players.
WHAT DO COACHES NEED TO KNOW
ABOUT ORTHOTICS?
Hopefully the information in this article will be of use for
coaches regarding the need for orthotics and provide some
basic information about the devices and how players may
benefit from them. Some other key bits of information that
would be important for coaches to know are:
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Orthotics need to be broken in. When your player gets an
orthotic, they should first wear them for non-playing and non-
training type activities, gradually increasing the amount of
time that they are in the shoes over a period of a week to as
much as 10 days before heavy tennis play is performed in the
new devices. Failure to do this may result in blisters or other
injuries from the adjustment to the devices.
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Orthotics do need to be changed and updated on a regular
basis. Check your players' orthotics frequently for wear and
tear, not just in the top cover, but also in the structure and
pliability of the device. If the devices are getting flimsy or
become easily compressible, they likely are not supporting
your player's foot and may need to be evaluated.
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Ensure that the player's shoes are changed frequently and
that the shoe selection is optimal for the player's foot type
and orthotic. A great orthotic cannot compensate for poor-
fitting shoes or shoes that are overly worn. The orthotic is
only effective in properly-fitting, quality tennis shoes.
Normal (Medium) Arch
If you see about half of your arch, you have the most
common foot type and are considered a normal
pronator. Contrary to popular belief, pronation is a
good thing. When the arch collapses inward, this
"pronation" absorbs shock. As a normal pronator,
you can wear just about any shoe, but may be best
suited to a stability shoe that provides moderate
arch support (or medial stability). Lightweight
runners with normal arches may prefer neutral-
cushioned shoes without any added support, or
even a performance-training shoe that offers some
support but less heft, for a faster feel.
Flat (Low) Arch
If you see almost your entire footprint, you
have a flat foot, which means you're probably
an overpronator. That is, a micro-second after
footstrike, your arch collapses inward too much,
resulting in excessive foot motion and increasing
your risk of injuries. You need either stability
shoes, which employ devices such as dual-
density midsoles and supportive "posts" to reduce
pronation and are best for mild to moderate
overpronators, or motion-control shoes, which
have firmer support devices and are best for severe
overpronators, as well as tall, heavy (over 165
pounds), or bow-legged runners.
High Arch
If you see just your heel, the ball of your foot, and
a thin line on the outside of your foot, you have a
high arch, the least common foot type. This means
you're likely an underpronator, or supinator, which
can result in too much shock traveling up your
legs, since your arch doesn't collapse enough
to absorb it. Underpronators are best suited to
neutral-cushioned shoes because they need a
softer midsole to encourage pronation. It's vital that
an underpronator's shoes have no added stability
devices to reduce or control pronation, the way a
stability or motion-control shoe would.
WHAT'S YOUR ARCH TYPE?
You can go a long way toward discovering what
you need in a running shoe by looking at your feet.
There are three basic foot types, each based on
the height of your arches. The quickest and easiest
way to determine your foot type is by taking the
"wet test," as described below.
1. Pour a thin layer of water into a shallow pan
2. Wet the sole of your foot.
3. Step onto a shopping bag or a blank piece of
heavy paper.
4. Step off and look down
Observe the shape of your foot and match it with
one of the foot types at the bottom of the page.
Although other variables (such as your weight,
biomechanics, weekly mileage, and fit preferences)
come into play, knowing your foot type is the first
step toward finding the right shoe for you.