Flat ankles definitly help - but there are plenty of players out there with really good ankles but ability that isn't anywhere near Vaseks. Moglum is a random example - he's good and has amazing ankles but he's certainly got a long way to go to be as good as Vasek. Then look at Seb D - he has horrible ankles but still plays really hard.
I think ankles help but hours of practice is much more useful.
Ya, I know, players like Lon and Jorden don't have insanely flat ankles like Vasek and are still insane, but I think they help if you have them from the start.
I think its probably the biggest deciding factor in how good someone will become and how fast they will do so. Ankles make such a ridiculous difference in how well people play, because it makes so many things much much easier and lets you have whatever style you want to have, not one you have because you are always compensating for bad ankles
If i there is an operation available to improve ankle flex, i would seriously consider getting it done.
My ankles aren't that optimal for shred. I've never had the flex anywhere NEAR Vasek's. They might have improved slightly over time b/c I literally walk on the sides of my feet as an ankle stretch. I've heard that it's not such a good idea, but it works for me.
I use more effort and bend my knees more to get my clippers nice and flat, rather than relying on ankle crank. [/burn]
we just think flat ankles are neccesary becuase the best player has them. did anyone really care when ryan was the best? he has normal crank. i dont think its a huge deal.
I think contacts have to do with how and what you practice and not ankle crank. However this is coming from a clipper railer.
That third picture made me wanna barf. holy ankle crank batman!
It's also much much easier to crank when your soles are that broken in, so that could have something to do with it.
esteban barnez
myspace.com/rawcakes
david wrote:I was just sitting here surfing and my mom looks over my shoulder. I had to jab down the down key real quick so she wouldn't see that topic title and question me about what kind of site I was going on.
The crank really only deals with one aspect of the move - the stall. There's still the set, the dex, the duck, the spin, etc. that is involved. I suppose the set would be affected as well. Of course Vasek's ankle crank HELPS him out, there's no question there. But I don't think it's the "source" of his talent whatsoever. Lots of practice and dedication got him to where he is.
My ankles used to be super flat when i played in Pumas but ever since i changed to Lavers they arent as flat. I am guessing that I got used to not having to crank as much with the lavers as they have a bigger dip.
