Telling kids to focus on technical elements for any sport is challenging. It is hard to notice the feeling between throwing a ball and throwing a ball correctly.
The same goes for running. For help running teaching techniques to kids, you can check out Running School.
Basic Technique for running
Focusing on technique is a bit challenging for all sports and all ages. There is a technique in football and dance and focusing on it at a young age improves the technique in the future.
Here are some basic technical elements when it comes to running.
Have good posture
Our parents love to point out our posture at any age, so it is just as important while running. Lousy posture during a run can lead to injuries as an adult.
Posture is also a good thing to practice anyways, so it is a win-win.
Face forward
Many kids struggle with looking forward while running. They tend to look down and around them. As you may notice, many toddlers might fall after “running” because they are fascinated with their feet and looking down.
Keep your head forward but remind kids to relax their necks. Just because you are looking forward does not mean to be stiff.
Watch those Elbows
Mainly for kids, they don’t know what to do with their arms. Their arms should be at their side with their elbows bent 90 degrees.
Their arms shouldn’t be stiff and just pump naturally at their sides. As long as they aren’t flying around and crossing over then, that is an excellent first step.
Running Technique Exercises for Kids
1. Calf Stretch
A calf stretch can help with ankle and hip mobility. Generally, kids will be more flexible than adults and have more mobility, but it doesn’t get easy after consistent running.
A calf stretch is a lunge with the back leg straight and heels on the ground. They should feel a stretch in the blackleg and hold for 30 seconds.
2. Glute Bridges
Glute bridge is another easy exercise. The kids should lay on your back with their knees bent to the ceiling. Instruct them to lift their hips with their bottoms off the floor.
Their shoulders and feet should remain on the floor. Hold this position for 5 seconds and tell them to come back to the ground slowly.
3. Jumping Exercises
Next, we need to practice some jumping which can help ankle movement and lower muscles. Try jumping jacks, skipping, and jump rope.
Jumping exercises also help with stamina because they tend to tire you out faster. Kids might have more energy, but you will notice them feeling a bit drained after a while. If your kids or students plan to do competitive running, you can incorporate jumping for stamina.
If you just want your kids to have the proper technique for fun, some simple jumping exercises help.
4. Running Games
Lastly, we need to encourage running games. Any exercise that gets their body use to running. You can try tag or even red light green light. It is a great way to work on agility and stamina.
Final Thoughts
Overall it is a great idea to start now. Practicing technique is very important and does need consistent work. Never be afraid to ask for help. The Running school is there for any assistance you might need.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
