RE: Mechanics of Running Faster

[Guest guest]

From: " Burkhardt " <emburkha@...>

Mel C Siff wrote...

<<This article showing that human runners reach faster top speeds, not by

repositioning their limbs more rapidly in the air, but by applying greater

support forces to the ground should be of interest to coaches and athletes

on this group

Josh adds: This is why we teach (or should teach) NOT to lift knees high

when sprinting linearly or laterally. It is the amound of force applied to

the ground while extending the hip (emphasizing extension not flexion). It

doesn't matter if one is a speed guru or strength coach exercises such as

butt kicks and high knees emphasize improper running mechanics. High knees

simply delay ground contact time or support forces.

I have observed many a speed or strength coach using mini-hurdles for

lateral training. If we want the athlete to get to a destination moving

laterally, the quickest way is to apply a straight line of force with our

feet close to the ground and a low athletic/defensive like posture. High

knees again delay ground contact time and force the athlete into a taller

(slower) posture, inappropriate for lateral movement, certainly not for the

sport I work closest with, volleyball. Therefore, why would we as coaches

have athletes perform these drills that reinforce improper movement

mechanics.

Football coaches will use higher knees when moving laterally for linebackers,

with the philosophy that they may have to clear bodies lying on the ground.

I'm not sure I really buy into this philosophy either. It seems that most

linebackers would only shuffle a short distance prior to hitting a gap or

opening up the hip to cross into coverage or an angled pursuit.

Josh Katz

800.244.2316

Jkatz1@...

513.474.7465

978.418.8952 (Fax)

http://www.prepperformance.com

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Weyand PG, Sternlight DB, Bellizzi M & S Faster top running speeds

are achieved with greater ground forces not more rapid leg movements. J

Appl Physiol 2000 Nov; 89(5): 1991-9>>

Maybe this is good evidence that all those " speed gurus " who spend countless

hours doing over-speed and various other drills would be better off spending

more time doing to more explosive lifting and plyometric drills. In other

words, exercises that improve RFD and elevate far right-hand side of the

force-velocity curve.

Burkhardt

Strength and Conditioning Coach

UC Irvine