Developing children's ability to run fast is important if they are active in sports. There are many children who like to run faster because they really like to run or because they have a specific goal. Training children to run faster can be done by teaching them the right running posture and making sure they have fun during the workout. Watch your child's progress to keep him motivated and don't hesitate to run with him!
Step
Method 1 of 3: Teaching the Right Way to Run
Step 1. Warm up by jumping up and down
Jumping can help your child develop the muscles he needs to become a tough runner. Before starting your running practice, have your child do a set of jumping jacks or have him play jump rope.
Step 2. Observe the position of the child's body running on the spot
Have the child run in place as fast as possible for five seconds. Watch how he runs and notice his weaknesses. The correct way to run fast includes:
- Push with the front foot.
- Lean forward until your feet are behind your hips and your hips are behind your shoulders (this is known as a triple extension).
- Keeping the torso in a vertical position.
- Keep your head upright and let your face relax.
- Bend your elbows at a right angle.
- Keep your arms at your sides as you swing up and down.
- Lift the knee of the front leg high and keep the back leg straight.
Step 3. Give an example of the correct way of running to the child
If you find an error, say so. After that, run in place with the child. Explain that you are using the correct running technique. The child can imitate the way you run and you can monitor how the child runs to see what can be improved.
Step 4. Help the child visualize the sensation of true running
Reminding the little things to do while running can make a big difference. For example, ask the child to imagine the leg pushing the hip forward. This will help him remember that running speed comes from the feet hitting the ground and pushing against the body.
You can also ask your child to imagine each hand holding a bird while running. This way, he will remember to clench his palms without squeezing them too hard
Step 5. Give verbal instructions
Ask the child to run fast. As he runs, shout out reminders to focus on the aspects of his running that need improvement. As an example:
- If the child swings his arms in a less wide position, shout "hands to face!" when he ran. This method will remind you that the hands must be fully swung from the sides of the body to the sides of the face.
- If the child lifts the leg not high enough, shout “Knees up! Knees up!”.
Method 2 of 3: Keeping Kids Motivated
Step 1. Set a long-term target
A child will only develop if he wants to. Make sure your child is interested in running faster and talk to him or her to find out why. After that, set the appropriate target.
- For example, if a child is actively playing a competitive sport, such as basketball, he may want to be able to run faster to improve his performance. Remind them of this every now and then.
- Set goals that allow your child to focus on developing themselves instead of winning something. Setting a goal to run a fraction of a second faster on a 50 meter track is much easier to achieve than winning a Provincial championship.
Step 2. Observe the child's development
For example, you could set up a graph or chart to record the time your child ran on a 50 meter track for 5 months. If the child can visualize his progress, he will feel more motivated to try harder and make other progress.
Make sure you time your child's run during practice to keep track of their progress
Step 3. Don't push it too hard
Learning how to run faster is not instantaneous. This requires patience and a lot of practice. If you push kids too hard or force them to practice too much, they will lose motivation and not thrive. Focus on making small progress through regular practice.
- Running exercises should only be done 3 to 4 times a week. Children will feel embarrassed if they practice too often.
- Make a variety of exercises and give special time to focus on playing other sports that make children run, such as football, futsal, basketball, and baseball. It can also make practicing more enjoyable!
- Companion activities, such as weightlifting, yoga, and swimming are great for developing athletic abilities. However, to increase running speed, you should prioritize activities that provide opportunities for children to run.
Method 3 of 3: Make Running Fun
Step 1. Put the game into the practice session
Doing running exercises constantly can be boring and demoralizing. Luckily, it's very easy to create games that force children to run. For example, get the kids together and try games like:
- Chase
- Relay run
- The game "Red light, green light."
Step 2. Take time to play other sports
Running is an important component of many competitive sports. For example, if your child enjoys playing soccer, it can help him develop even if it's not technically a running practice. In addition, combining running training with other sports will keep children's interest. Good exercises for running training are:
- Baseball
- Football
- Basketball
- Futsal
Step 3. Run with the child
A coach should not just stand on the sidelines. Get on the track and run with your child to provide moral support and show that you're willing to put in the effort too. It also feels good. In addition, you can also practice or play with children. If the child is interested, you can even ask him to race.
