Soccer Running, Running Shoes and Running Technique
tThis article on how running shoes have affected our running gait proposes that we run differently now that we have running shoes. The thick cushioned heels of running shoes has caused us to land on our heels instead of our toes. They also say that landing on the heels is slower and causes more injuries.
I would tend to agree. Most people do run with a heel plant and that plant causes a lot of trauma to the body. It is one reason why running might not be for overweight people. The heavier you are, the more force you land with. It also might be why sprinting is better for you than going slow.
When we sprint, we tend to run on our forefoot instead of the heels. When we sprint correctly by:
- Not over extending
- Good posture
- Slight lean at the ankles
- Strike on the forefoot
the problems of heel landing because of the shoe are reduced.
Soccer players have a shoe with very little heel support and cushioning. However, most soccer players will do additional running for conditioning and will tend to use more of a heel landing technique.
Coaches, parents and athletes need to encourage good form, keep the speed up and the distances short. This will create faster soccer players as well as reduce the likelihood of injury.
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