Why do athletes tap the bottoms of their shoes?

I saw a volleyball player do this last year. It seemed that as a play was being set up, she would lift one foot, tap the sole of the shoe and repeat with the other foot. Yesterday I saw a male basketball player do the same thing on a highlight video. Can anyone explain why it is done?

Anonymous2011-11-29T18:28:13Z

Favorite Answer

They are wiping the dust from the soles of their shoes to get better traction on the court. Good eye! :)