🦶 Zone 5,1 – Ball of Foot Inner (1st Metatarsal Head)
This zone lies under the 1st metatarsal head, just behind the big toe — a biomechanical power zone and a primary support platform for balance and movement initiation.
🔬 Muscle Support
| Muscle |
Size |
Action |
Relevance |
| Flexor hallucis brevis |
✅ Thick |
Flexes big toe |
Direct support under 5,1 |
| Flexor hallucis longus |
✅ Large |
Flexes distal big toe |
Torque + propulsion |
| Abductor hallucis |
✅ Moderate |
Stabilizes medial arch |
Lateral torque damping |
| Posterior tibialis |
✅ Large |
Elevates medial arch |
Prevents overpronation |
| Plantar fascia (medial band) |
✅ Strong |
Supports arch integrity |
Passive reinforcement |
Summary: Muscle reinforcement here is substantial. 5,1 is built to hold, absorb torque, and push off with control.
🔬 Muscle Mass Comparison
- Heavily reinforced by both intrinsic and extrinsic muscles
- Highest arch support in the entire foot
- Most efficient torque absorption in the forefoot
- Designed for poise, not just movement
⚖️ Torque Generation vs Resistance
- Torque generation? ✅ Yes — pivot and rise initiation point
- Torque resistance? ✅ Excellent — medial arch and tibialis coordination resist collapse
- Feedback quality? ✅ High — subtle shifts are detected early
📉 Collapse Risk
- Lowest in Row 5
- Protected from lateral collapse by arch geometry
- Excellent proprioceptive signaling
🩰 Use in Dance
- Engaged during:
- Rise & fall transitions
- Forward drive and Latin compression
- Heel pull recovery and subtle sway control
- Acts as a fulcrum during precise turns
🧠 Teaching Insight
“When in doubt, find 5,1 — your foot's default backup plan.”
✅ Verdict ⭐🟢 (Green Star)
- Torque Handling: ✅ Excellent
- Muscle Support: ✅ High
- Feedback Quality: ✅ High
- Stability: 🟢 Biomechanical anchor