Runners - improve your stretch shortening cycle

I came across this running drill on YouTube recently and I've been recommending it a lot because it combines balance, coordination and speed. Plus, all my favourite drills are simple.

This exercise will help improve the "spring" needed during the loading and propulsive phases of running. Think of your calf muscles and achilles tendon as a complex spring. When running, these tissues absorb and store energy as your foot contacts the ground, loading up like a spring being squeezed. This loaded spring then releases its energy and pops you up into your next stride. This is called the stretch shortening cycle (SSC). Just imagine an elastic band being stretched and then snapping back (shortening).

With thanks to www.move-ment.net

As you improve make sure you shorten your ground contact time to really develop your stretch shortening cycle and force production.

Watch the video and give it a try, all you need is a step!

Tom Lowes B.Ost MSc (Sports Med)
Registered Osteopath - Sports Injury Rehabilitation

Twitter @SportsMedOsteo