The Importance of Assessing Running Mechanics in

Developing Athletes

Presentation prepared by: Kevin Tyler

Date: 11/12/10

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

Running Mechanics

Why Proper Mechanics?

Presentation prepared by: Kevin Tyler Date: 11/12/10

• 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

Running Mechanics

Presentation prepared by: Kevin Tyler Date: 11/12/10

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

Running Mechanics

Presentation prepared by: Kevin Tyler Date: 11/12/10

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

• Use technology: review and share lots of video

• Ask a fellow coach you trust to review with you

• Observe from multiple angles

Presentation prepared by: Kevin Tyler Date: 11/12/10

A 3D Understanding

Presentation prepared by: Kevin Tyler Date: 11/12/10

Deep Front Line Back & Front Functional Lines

Running Mechanics

Presentation prepared by: Kevin Tyler Date: 11/12/10

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

Running Mechanics

Presentation prepared by: Kevin Tyler Date: 11/12/10

Mechanics 101: Common resultants of these issues

• Foot strikes well in front of centre of gravity

• Less stable

• Decreased mobility through spinal column: transverse plane

• Inability to hold neutral alignment

• Excessive hip & knee extension at full speed

• Reduction in hip flexion

• Plantar flexion: pointy toes

• Ultimately: less efficient use of energy stores / intensity of effort

Running Mechanics

Presentation prepared by: Kevin Tyler Date: 11/12/10

Pelvic position & influence on one phase of stride mechanics

Running Mechanics

Presentation prepared by: Kevin Tyler Date: 11/12/10

GO TO VIDEO

Running Mechanics

Presentation prepared by: Kevin Tyler Date: 11/12/10

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

Running Mechanics

Presentation prepared by: Kevin Tyler Date: 11/12/10

You can develop sound mechanics in every athlete you coach!

It simply requires understanding, application and patience

Questions?

Running Mechanics

Presentation prepared by: Kevin Tyler Date: 11/12/10