Why up on the toe during dynamics?

A couple years ago we started to do knee hugs and quad pulls (that’s what we call them) while walking. Each rep we would have the athletes get up on the toe, kind of like a calf raise. What is the point of this? A strength coach told me it gave a better stretch. In my experience, it seems like extra calf work and maybe keeps us from really working the stretch as much as we should when we get fatigued, etc. I’m looking forward to explanations and advice. Thanks.