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How can animators avoid sliding feet during contact phases of movement?
Asked on Nov 15, 2025
Answer
Sliding feet during contact phases can disrupt the believability of a character's movement. To avoid this, animators should focus on locking the feet to the ground during these phases and ensuring that the timing and spacing of the steps are consistent with the character's weight and momentum.
Example Technique:
- Step 1 – Identify the contact points where the feet should remain stationary on the ground.
- Step 2 – Use keyframes to lock the feet in place during these contact points.
- Step 3 – Adjust the timing and spacing of the steps to match the character's weight and momentum, ensuring no sliding occurs.
Additional Comment:
- Ensure the character's center of gravity aligns with the supporting foot during contact.
- Check for consistent foot placement in relation to the ground plane.
- Use reference footage to study natural foot placement and weight shifts.
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