Often we hear about a technique and how that technique will improve xy and z. Now for some sports technique really matters but for others it leads to confusion. What is missing in the discussion or instructions is improving actions. But something that comes before the action is the goal. For instance in wrestling you have various choke holds, These choke hold do require a certain technique to be effective. The goal of the choke hold is to make your opponent pass out quickly. No matter the action of applying the choke hold if the technique is not correct then the goal will not be accomplished.

In running you have different techniques. The goal of running is to move your center of mass from point A to point B as fast as efficiently possible. The best way to do that is have your foot land as close to your center of mass before coming in contact with the ground.

To that does not require a certain technique but is does require an action. In teaching people how to run, the question should be, what action do I need to take to accomplish the goal? The action will change for the individual, base on leg length, torso length, arm length, range of motion and so on and so on.

One thing that you can improve is your running actions. Running is natural and how the brain signals muscles to perform the act of running varies from person to person. In improving running action you must train the brain to follow the instructions that you want to take.

Next time you are out running, don’t think about arm angles or hand position but think arm action, foot action and body action and in no time at all watch your performance improve.