U 14 Running Mechanics Speed Development Running Mechanics

U 14 – Running Mechanics & Speed Development

Running Mechanics and Speed Development • Introduction – By learning to run “properly” athletes will become more efficient in their movements, therefore expending less energy and be able to go faster and longer. – By driving high, recovering fast and striking below hip an athlete will achieve max velocity. – This is not possible in game sports and so acceleration is the key component of “game speed”. – The key to a good acceleration phase is to get a fast stride turnover rather than longer reaching strides, this is achieved by leaning forward, pick up knees, fast arm speed and increase stride frequency

Running Mechanics and Speed Development • Key Points for Acceleration – Knee pick up – Strike position under hip – Forward tilt in acceleration – Stride Frequency rather than Stride Length – Low body position in deceleration and change of direction • The following drills show progression in running mechanics into Senior Players from U 14 level. By the time Senior Level all the above key points will be addressed. Each progression must be perfected prior to introduction of more advance drills.

Running Mechanics and Speed Development • U 14 – – Skipping Fast feet High Knees Fall forward to Sprint