What is a major dysfunction of the hip that a coach may observe?

A major dysfunction of the hip that a coach may observe is a lateral weight shift. This phenomenon often indicates an imbalance in the lower body muscles or a lack of proper hip stability. When an athlete shifts their weight laterally while performing movements, it can be a sign of weak hip abductors or inadequate core stability. Such shifts can lead to poor movement patterns, increased risk of injury, and compromised performance.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different areas or aspects of movement. Excessive medial rotation may be linked to poor hip mechanics but doesn’t specifically address a dysfunction that is as broadly observable or impactful on performance as lateral weight shifting. Increased ankle dorsiflexion is related to ankle flexibility, which, while important, doesn’t directly reflect hip dysfunction. Reduced shoulder mobility addresses upper body mechanics rather than hip-related issues. Thus, lateral weight shift serves as a more prominent indicator of hip dysfunction that coaches can easily observe during athletic performance.