Runners who regularly incorporate drills into their training are better able to recruit muscles needed for the task, leaving them less injury-prone. And when the going gets tough, they are more efficient than the runner who doesn’t work on proper form. Given that an improvement to running economy can be just as good as an improvement in VO2max when it comes to that final number on the stopwatch, it only makes sense to squeeze as much “free speed” out of one’s performance as possible.

The key to developing good form is to ingrain proper movement patterns into your muscle memory so that they become automatic. And proper movements can be trained through drills. With proper movement patterns instilled as the default setting, you will be better prepared when fatigue threatens to break down your form.

The drills are best performed on a soft surface, such as a rubberized track, the infield of a track, a flat dirt trail or grassy field. Perform the drills after you have completed your initial warm up, or at the middle or end of your run. Do each drill for 10 to 20 meters, and go through the sequence at least once. If time permits, you can repeat the sequence 2 to 3 times. Aim to incorporate at least one to two drill sessions into your running program each week.

Side-to-Side Skip

Running takes place almost exclusively in the sagittal plane (flexion/extension) to propel the runner forward, yet muscles that operate in the frontal plane (abduction/adduction) play an important role as stabilizers.

The side-to-side skip builds strength and coordination among these stabilizing muscles.

Skip side to side by bringing your feet together and then shoulder width apart. Let your arms cross over each other in front of the body as you skip.

Carioca, or Grapevine

Like the side-to-side skips, the carioca or grapevine drill further works the stabilizing muscles that play a secondary but nevertheless vital role in running.

As you move sideways, cross one leg over the other in front and then behind. Hold your arms out to the side to begin; as you start to get the hang of the drill, use your arms as you would while running.

A-Skip

This drill recruits the primary movers—namely, the glutes and hamstrings—that operate during the active propulsion phase of the run.

For the A-skip, skip with high knees. As you bring your leg down, finish with a slight pawing motion as you pull backwards. This pawing motion is often neglected, but is a key element of a powerful stride.

Focus on initiating that pull from the glutes as the hamstrings then join in the motion. This will ingrain the backward pulling motion important for running propulsion into your muscle memory. Use the same arm motion during this drill as you use while running.

B-Skip

The B skip is nearly identical to the A skip, but first extends the leg forward. This extension of the leg dynamically stretches the hamstring and then allows you to really emphasize the backward pawing motion as your foot lands on the ground and pulls through.

Get into the rhythm of the A and B skips by listening to the pattern of sound your feet make as they contact and scuff the ground, pawing backwards. Use the same arm motion during this drill as you use while running.

Butt Kicks

The butt kick drill further conditions and coordinates the glutes and hamstrings for a strong running stride.

Pull your heels up directly beneath you, keeping the knee, heel and toe up throughout the drill. Use the same arm motion during this drill as you use while running.

High Knees

The high knee drill works the loading phase of the run. The key to performing the drill correctly is to focus on driving the foot down and letting it spring back up off the ground (rather than lifting the knees). Use the same arm motion during this drill as you use while running.

Straight Leg Run

The straight leg run is like the straight leg walk used during your dynamic warm up, only this time you are running. The straight leg run reinforces the important pawing motion practiced in the A-skip and B-skip.

Start slowly and gradually increase your speed. Avoid the temptation to lean backwards—in other words, keep your upper body perpendicular to the ground as you run with straight legs.

As your foot contacts the ground, finish with that same backwards pawing motion as you practiced in the other drills—squeeze the glutes and hamstrings as you pull back on the track.

Ankling

The ankling drill helps facilitate the proper loading and spring during running. Starting at the toe, push the foot down so that the heel barely contacts the ground. The movement can be difficult to learn at first, so begin in slow motion; then gradually pick up the pace and keep the cadence high.

Running Drills Full Sequence

This video demonstrates:

• Side-to-side Skip
• Carioca, or Grapevine
• A-Skip
• B-Skip
• Butt Kicks
• High Knees
• Straight Leg Run
• Ankling