Poor range of motion in the ankle affects your ability to function correctly as an athlete.
Proper dorsiflexion (toes toward the shin) is important for many functional movements, including, squatting, step down activities and landing from a jump. When this motion is limited, you increase your chance for injury along the anatomical chain (shins, knees, hips, low back) and decrease your potential for power and strength.
Corrective exercises to increase ankle mobility should not be overlooked when training for an athletic event.
If you have limited dorsiflexion, try adding these mobility drills into your warm-up routine.