Running is embedded in every child’s life. Running to play tag, school exercise classes, running along the beach, catch the bus or playing a team sport. Some children find running a real challenge. They don’t enjoy it and often it’s because of the running style they have learned. It is not efficient, they utilize muscles incorrectly and therefore the energy expenditure is greater meaning, it’s hard work.  As parents we can see the difference in how they run, they look ‘awkward’ or run with ‘stiff legs’ and often are trailing behind their friends. Some children might have the diagnosis of developmental dyspraxia or developmental coordination disorder (DCD). These kids do have a unique running pattern and have other factors that make running challenging. All these factors cause a downward spiral of running avoidance and further deconditioning.

Having a love of running myself, seeing the enjoyment my children have running and focusing on how children who have DCD run during post-graduate studies has spurred my passion to help all kids LOVE running (or at least enjoy it more).  It is likely that you have started to look for programs that can help your child. YouTube has a number of free running exercises or drills but these are for kids who already run well, generally focused on helping sprinters get faster. It is important to model the program on the key elements for successful running, strength, muscle endurance, balance, coordination, running skills themself.

I have put together a few starter exercises that you can download for free HERE: Running skills for children.