Analysing running mechanics
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The document discusses the importance of assessing running mechanics in developing athletes. Proper running mechanics result in greater efficiency and force production while preventing injuries. Coaches should observe runners from multiple angles using video to analyze range of motion, symmetry, sequencing and other factors. Common issues that impact mechanics include poor posture, tightness, weakness and inflexibility. Fixing mechanics requires cueing, strengthening, improving range of motion, and training with quality over excessive volume under fatigue.
Analysing running mechanics
- 2. The Importance of Assessing Running Mechanics in Developing Athletes Presentation prepared by: Kevin Tyler Date: 11/12/10
- 3. Running Mechanics Overview: • Why is it important to run with proper mechanics? • What are we looking for? • How do we observe? • A three dimensional understanding! • Mechanics 101 • What is the path to improving running mechanics? • Video analysis of a developing sprinter • Suggestions for improving this athlete Presentation prepared by: Kevin Tyler Date: 11/12/10
- 4. Running Mechanics Why Proper Mechanics? • Greater efficiency • Greater force production: maximise the stretch shortening cycle • Injury Prevention: • better dissipation & return of forces through the tissues & structures • Maintenance of sound posture: • length tension relationships Presentation prepared by: Kevin Tyler Date: 11/12/10
- 5. Running Mechanics What are we looking for? • Range of Motion • Symmetry of Movement: left & right • Speed of Movement • Sequencing of Gross to Fine Movements • Reflexiveness / Reactiveness of Movement Pattern Presentation prepared by: Kevin Tyler Date: 11/12/10
- 6. Running Mechanics How do we Observe? • Easier to observe movement patterns in slower activities. BUT! • Develop a systematic observation process: reproducible • Start from the feet up • Start from the head down • Start from the core out • Target specific areas of interest • Observe from multiple angles • Use technology: review and share lots of video • Ask a fellow coach you trust to review with you Presentation prepared by: Kevin Tyler Date: 11/12/10
- 7. A 3D Understanding Presentation prepared by: Kevin Tyler Date: 11/12/10
- 8. Deep Front Line Back & Front Functional Lines Presentation prepared by: Kevin Tyler Date: 11/12/10
- 9. Running Mechanics Mechanics 101: Common Causes of Difficulty • Posture: poor alignment • Feet: excessive pronation / suppination • Pelvis: anterior tilt & impact on lumbar / sacral region • Shoulder Girdle: protracted & medial rotation • Head and Neck: forward head posture • Relaxation: level of tension • Strength: static & dynamic • Flexibility: functional range of motion Presentation prepared by: Kevin Tyler Date: 11/12/10
- 10. Running Mechanics Mechanics 101: Common resultants of these issues • Inability to hold neutral alignment • Less stable • Excessive hip & knee extension at full speed • Reduction in hip flexion • Foot strikes well in front of centre of gravity • Plantar flexion: pointy toes • Decreased mobility through spinal column: transverse plane • Ultimately: less efficient use of energy stores / intensity of effort Presentation prepared by: Kevin Tyler Date: 11/12/10
- 11. Running Mechanics Pelvic position & influence on one phase of stride mechanics Presentation prepared by: Kevin Tyler Date: 11/12/10
- 12. Running Mechanics GO TO VIDEO Presentation prepared by: Kevin Tyler Date: 11/12/10
- 13. Running Mechanics Mechanics 101: How do we fix this? • Proper cueing through specific activities • Appropriate strengthening & the development of range of motion • Quality: train in recovered states & minimise the volume of training under (excessive) fatigue Presentation prepared by: Kevin Tyler Date: 11/12/10
- 14. Running Mechanics You can develop sound mechanics in every athlete you coach! It simply requires understanding, application and patience Presentation prepared by: Kevin Tyler Date: 11/12/10
- 15. Questions?
- 16. Running Mechanics Presentation prepared by: Kevin Tyler Date: 11/12/10