What are the best techniques to use when running?

Question

I am running to get in shape for volleyball. I know I'm in good enough shape. However, I think I just waste a lot of energy when I run. My coach tells me to keep on my toes. What's that about? Running lessons please!

Answer 1

Efficient running is actually a little dependant on the situation. I was a very good runner as a kid. I'd recommend focusing on different muscle groups as you run. For example, you can focus on letting your quadriceps do more work than usual for a minute or two, and then move to a different set of muscles. This will help you develop both increased strength and control of various parts of your technique.

Once you are stronger, its good to look at your body from an outside perspective. As a machine. It's generally good to have a long stride, to keep all unnecessary tension to a minimum, and to keep your center of gravity almost level. Most runners have a missing component that they compensate for. So aim to have every aspect of your running ability a little stronger than you think it needs to be. Then you can experiment with your gait.

It takes time to make significant running improvements because it puts enormous stress on the body. Switching from a short bouncy gait to a long level stride will put a lot of strain on ligaments that they aren't ready for. It also takes more coordination because you need to get your feet to move forward much faster and further after each stride.

The main suspects in a clunky stride are muscles that aren't strong enough to coordinate a good landing, not strong enough to control how the leg carries your wieght, not getting your feet out in front fast enough, and leaning back (possibly to compensate for weak/injured joints or limitted flexibility)

A final tip: If you ever need a little more speed, try leading with your arms. They are more responsive and the legs follow them. In marathon running the saying is something like, the arms run on the legs.

Answer 2

Running on the toes is good for sprinting, which you do a lot in volleyball. Long distance runners primarily run heel-to-toe. The ultimate test is if it feels comfortable to you and if not then do what comes naturally.

Then again I am not a running coach, just a recreational runner.

Answer 3

volleyball shape, and marathon shape is very different. a marathon runner would get tired playing volleyball, becuase you use different muscles. running will increase your stamina, but you need to do more than that to get quicker on the court. he means stay on your toes, becuase that will get you ready to get to the ball faster than if you were flat footed. try picking a line on the concrete and while staying on your toes, jump over it side to side, then back and forth. talk to your coach for extra workouts.

Answer 4

Here is what you need to do, if you are serious about losing weight and keeping it off. Eat 6 small meals a day about every 4 hours. Here what that will do for you, your metabolism will increase (i.e. Loose weight) and you will have more engry. If you go on a diet and eat less, your metabolism will slow down and store to fat. That is why diets dont work. Only the size of your fist, carbs (examples:baked potato, pasta, oatmeal, beans, corn, melon, apples, fat free yogurt, whole wheat breads)in one and protien (examples:chicken breast, swordfish, shrimp, turkey breast) in the other. You can also eat vegetables and salads with any meal, they dont have none or little fat). 30min cardo exercise every day. Any of these(examples: walking, jogging, swimming,running, biking, ect), Monday cardo, tues upper body (arms: curls, tricep extensions,pull ups, front press)(abdominals: leg pull crunch, leg raises), (chest: bench press, butterfly, pullover)(shoulders: front press, arm pullover, cross county skier machine)(back:seated row, lat pull downs, back extension)(YOU DONT HAVE TO DO IN ONE DAY, mix it up) wed cardo, thurs lower body (legs: leg pull,leg press, squats, lounges) fri cardo, sat upper. Sunday eat anything you want and dont exercising, you do this on sunday so your body doesnt go into starvation mode. YOU NEED TO TAKE SUNDAY OFF. If you stilck with this you will have a great body. also drink aleast 8oz of water daily! Stay away from Mcdonals, Wendys, ect because there is nothing good for you on the menu's even the salads are bad (beaon bits, cheeze, dressing, ect) Good Luck :)

Answer 5

umm if u have not been runnin' for a while i suggest startin small run 1/2 a mile or just 1 mile then work ur way up. i tryed to start big and thats a mistake. also when ur runnin' don't breath through ur mouth, breath through ur nose, b/c ur nose heats the air and it don't hurt as bad. also when u finish but ur hands on the back of ur head and breath in ur nose out ur mouth. o yea btw its always good to strech b4 runnin'

Answer 6

what??? the proper running for the foot is heal to toe, rolling on the outside portion of the foot. Keep your shoulders relaxed and dont over exaggerate arm swing.

Answer 7

Run with your mouth full of water as long as you can so you have to breathe through nose, then when you can't go anymore, let the water out and breathe through your mouth.