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.

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