6.2.1 Sprinting Technique
When running, at any speed, the legs are used to carry and push the bodyweight forward. The push
is achieved through the contact of the feet with the ground, which should be relatively quiet. If a
loud heavy-footed noise comes from young athletes’ feet when they run, it should be pointed out.
It is surprising that when a young athlete strives to get rid of the noise, he or she will quickly develop
correct foot action.
A good running technique results in economic use of energy, but the technique differs between
sprinters and distance runners. Basically, the assistance of the arm drive backwards is important to
the sprinter whilst for the distance runner the emphasis of the arms is on balance. The sprinter will
also run on the balls of his or her feet to create the push whilst the distance runner uses the whole
of the foot. The knee lift in a sprinter is also much higher as this potentially increases stride length.
The drive of the arm backwards will counter-balance the action of the opposite leg, such that the left
arm balances the right leg and the right arm balances the left leg. The arms must not be swung from
side to side as it encourages body twisting which will be counter-balanced by the leg action and thus
the technique will become inefficient and will waste energy. Core stability is very important as the arms
and legs work off the torso and midriff. A young athlete should be encouraged to opt for considerable
arm travel, which will start like the pulling of a bell rope before the arm opens out to travel backwards.
If the arm action is cut short when sprinting this will also cut the leg action short. It is important that
the young athlete remains relaxed throughout the sprinting action and therefore the hands should be
held loosely. Many young athletes will have different techniques when trying to achieve an efficient
sprinting action and the coach must remember to treat each young athlete as an individual.
6.2 Sprinting & Sprinting Drills
Speed Activities
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