How to Teach Proper Running Techniques

Learning how to run properly prevents injury and increases performance. Speed and endurance are also enhanced. Many sports require running, so teaching proper running techniques will go a long way toward helping runners master the skills needed to succeed. Many children and even high school students do not have proper running form and must be taught.

Instructions

1. Have your runner wear good running shoes and comfortable running clothes, which can be purchased at any sporting goods store.

2. Teach her to place her lead foot directly under her hips instead of overextending it.

3. Remind her to stand tall when she runs and keep her ears, shoulders, hips and ankles in line. She should also slightly bend her knees.

4. Have her practice holding her arms at a 90-degree angle and swinging them from her shoulders. She should swing her hands from her back pocket just up to her hips.

5. Coach her to lift her back foot quickly when she runs. As her front foot hits the ground, she should lift her back foot up and swing it forward.

6. Encourage her to apply the proper running techniques to 10 50-yard runs at a time.
   Remind her to run in a relaxed manner no matter how fast she runs and to run slowly enough at first to pay close attention to her form.

7. Stress that she should rest if she is tired. She should understand that running into exhaustion will not increase her speed, but it can cause her bodily injury.

Tips & Warnings

• Many runners bob their heads around---this move wastes energy. Have your charge practice holding her head straight.

• Remind her not to get stuck in thinking that she is a natural-born runner. All people must be taught proper running techniques.