PURPOSE
The 8-Count Foot Strike increases awareness of ground contact on the whole foot, including the ball of the foot.
The figure above breaks down the exercise as Soldiers conduct it in formation at slow cadence:
CADENCE
Slow cadence
STARTING POSITION
The starting position for the 8-Count Foot Strike is the Straddle Stance position with hands on hips.
COUNT
● On count 1, step forward onto the left heel.
● On count 2, allow the left foot to fall flat on the ground.
● On count 3, raise the left heel from the ground.
● On count 4, return to the starting position.
● On count 5, from the starting position, step forward onto the right heel, keeping the right toes off the ground.
● On count 6, allow the right foot to fall flat on the ground.
● On count 7, raise the right heel from the ground.
● On count 8, return to the starting position.
REPETITIONS
Repeat this movement 5–10 times before running a short distance or 3–5 seconds.