Basic Running Drills

Running drills are excellent ways to groove technique and become a more efficient runner.

Technique drills are often neglected for a host of reasons. Looking and feeling silly, not knowing exactly what to do or misunderstanding the purpose usually is the suspect.

Whenever I work with a runner on their form and technique, we always hit these basic drills you can add to your routine. Use these during a warm up, or during your run when you start of feel off or out of whack. Running drills can reset your form and get you back on track.

High knees:

Focus on staying light on your foot and feel the mid foot land softly and the heel kiss the floor. Keep your shoulders over your hips and don’t lean back! This teaches you to open your hips and not over extend from your back.

Butt kicks:

Don’t bend at the waist, stay tall and lean from your belt buckle. Keep those elbows tight and hands back. This reinforces a good fall or lean forward and promotes pulling with the hamstrings. The single leg version of this is another favorite.

Skipping:

Find a nice rhythm and move those arms. Skipping is a great coordination and low level plyometric that will help with springiness, and important running quality, and timing and coordination.

If you need a running tune up this Spring, you can email me justin@gainsc.com with the subject: running technique inquiry.

Justin Miner

@justinminergain