Ankles and feet don’t get nearly enough attention in tennis training. That’s a shame because they are the foundation of on-court mobility. When ankle and foot health falters, everything else in the kinetic chain suffers. For players who log a lot of hours on the court or wrestle with recurring issues like plantar fasciitis, building stronger and more flexible feet is essential.
My lengthy personal battle with plantar fasciitis means that I am always immediately interested in methods to prevent recurrence of that malady. As a result, I was naturally drawn to the Sidekick Axis Board, a single-leg balance and strength trainer designed for ankle rehabilitation and injury prevention. Unlike a standard slant board that offers only a fixed angle and a single rigid surface, the Sidekick Axis Board is remarkably versatile. In fact, it comes with a lengthy training manual created by a physical therapist that outlines a myriad of different configurations and exercises. To be honest, the manual is borderline overwhelming. Each variation is specifically designed to target and strengthen neglected muscles in the foot and ankle, enhancing muscle mobility in ways that a static board cannot.
The single-leg design isolates each foot, forcing it to function independently. That means the plantar fascia, ankle stabilizers, and Achilles tendons are directly challenged without potential compensation from the other leg. While there are several knock-offs listed on Amazon, this is a case where it’s best to opt for the original name brand. While you can buy other boards with configurable pads, the Sidekick comes with a detailed set of technical instructions that guide you through the proper configuration and exercises targeting specific physical objectives.
So far, I have been using my Sidekick as a substitute for the rigid slantboard in my daily plantar fasciitis prevention routine. Within the first week, I noticed that it definitely delivered a more targeted stretch into the bottom of my foot. My arches were a little sore at first, which told me that part of my foot had not been moving the way it should. That tenderness dissipated after a few days, but I definitely still have a lot of room for improvement in my overall foot flexibility.
Tennis demands strong and resilient feet and ankles. Anyone who has felt the sharp setback of plantar fasciitis or rolled an ankle mid-match knows how debilitating it can be. Prevention starts with strengthening the weak spots before they break down. What I like most about the Sidekick Axis Board is that it makes that kind of focused work accessible for people who prefer to DIY their own training and rehab.
The Sidekick Axis Board is not inexpensive, but its quality and thorough training guide justify the investment. Currently, I am using it for a single exercise, and I anticipate that it will take a few months to fully explore what it can do. However, based on my first week of use, I can already recommend it enthusiastically to players who want to rehab or prevent plantar fasciitis. If you are serious about keeping your feet healthy and pain-free, this is a device worth adding to your training toolbox.
SIDEKICK Axis Board: Single Leg Balance Board (<- Sponsored Link)
Fiend At Court participates in the Amazon Associates program and receives a paid commission on any purchases made via the links in this article. Details on the disposition of proceeds are available on the “About Fiend at Court” page.
