What Are Running Drills Designed to Do?
Running drills are designed to mimic the specific characteristics of technically sound running form in short, compartmentalized sections.
This includes upright posture of the core and upper body, proper carriage of the arms during the running stride, proper hip extension and leg action, and the coordinated, dynamic balance associated with shifting weight from one leg to the other.
In addition, drills help to develop the important proprioceptive (body awareness) abilities that a runner must have to deal with changes in terrain while running, and to "change gears" while training or racing.
More: 3 Running Form Tweaks to Help You Race Faster
Finally, drills also strengthen the specific muscle groups needed for powerful running, especially the muscles of the feet, calves, shins, glutes and hips. The ankle, knee and hip joints undergo considerable flexion and extension during the running stride, and each of these joints is exercised through a similar or greater range of motion during various drills.
What drills should you do? Read The 4 Best Form Drills to Improve Your Running Technique for detailed instructions and photos.
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