Youth Running Technique Training

Session Context

Coaching sessions are one hour long and we group them in blocks of 6, 12 or 18, depending on the level of intervention you want. Our sessions are suitable for ages 6-18 years old and of all abilities – from very sporty kids to those who are not confident in activity and sport. The sessions are dedicated to learning the correct technique by using our accelerated learning methods.

We keep them enjoyable and varied, and they all include vital elements of learning how to move better:

Structure: Every Element Has Purpose

Walking Warm-Up (5 to 10 minutes)

The warm-up gradually elevates heart rate, activates neuromuscular pathways, and allows us to check in on wellbeing before high-intensity work begins. Gradual physiological preparation reduces injury risk and optimises subsequent performance, and the quality of the athlete-coach relationship directly correlates with skill acquisition and adherence. Walking technique tips also transfer learning into daily movement, since walking gait influences running gait.

Dynamic Movement Skills including BlazePods (10-minute blocks)

This phase elevates dopamine and increases Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), creating the optimal environment for developing synaptic connections and accelerating motor learning. Agility and multidirectional training improves rapid directional change and enhances proprioceptive awareness, strengthening the brain-periphery neural connection. Rapid footwork also increases neural firing rate and triggers enhanced myelination to improve transmission efficiency.

Running Technique Coaching (10-minute blocks)

Sessions focus on many repetitions of high-quality movement in short 10 to 20 second bursts at controlled speeds and gradients. Brief intervals ensure every repetition reinforces correct patterns rather than fatigued compensations. Controlled treadmill conditions constrain movement options, guiding the nervous system toward optimal patterns. New motor engrams form through massed, high-quality repetition, and spacing repetitions across a six-week block allows neural consolidation between sessions, producing superior long-term retention.

Balance, Catching and Ball Return Drills (5 to 10 minutes)

Balance work reduces compensatory movements and injury risk significantly. Catching activities require reactive core stabilisation that transfers directly to pelvic stability during running. Lower-intensity dual-task activities after high-intensity drills also facilitate neural consolidation while keeping athletes engaged. Ending on a positive, enjoyable challenge strengthens memory consolidation for the entire session and increases adherence to the programme (Wulf & Lewthwaite, 2016).

Block Bookings and Neuroplasticity: Why We Work This Way

Running technique coaching isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about rewiring established motor patterns, or building optimal ones from scratch. We’re certified Running Technique Specialists using The Running School methodology, refined over 45 years of proven results.

Motor learning research shows that technique changes require 6 to 10 weeks of high-quality repetition to become neurologically embedded. We’re literally creating new neural pathways and overwriting ingrained movement patterns. This biological process can’t be rushed.

The science backs our block approach: distributed practice produces superior motor retention compared to massed practice; consolidation periods between sessions allow the nervous system to integrate new patterns during rest; and progressive skill development across multiple sessions enhances long-term retention (Shea & Morgan, 1979). This is why we only offer block bookings. Anything less doesn’t serve the athlete.

Why We Coach 1:2, Not 1:1

Our paired coaching model is a better learning construct for technique development. When one athlete rests between drills, they’re not idle. They’re learning by watching. Observational learning enhances motor skill acquisition and peer observation activates mirror neuron systems that facilitate motor learning. Observational practice produces nearly equivalent motor skill gains to physical practice, and alternating observation with execution optimises acquisition compared to massed physical practice alone.

High-quality movement requires intense focus. Rest periods prevent the physical and mental fatigue that degrades form, while doubling the educational value of every session.

Children love the sessions and we all have a lot of fun together while learning the skills of movement and running.

Video Analysis: Evidence-Based Timing

We film at Assessment (Session 1) and again at Session 6. That timing is deliberate.

Technique changes take 4 to 6 weeks to become subconscious before they’re visible or measurable. Filming too early produces comparisons that aren’t meaningful or motivating. Excessive video analysis can also create paralysis by analysis, particularly in younger athletes, and athletes develop better technique through quality coaching and intrinsic feedback than through repeated visual self-analysis.

Athletes own their progress by feeling the difference in their movement and experiencing improved performance. The Session 6 comparison video provides powerful visual confirmation of what they’ve already earned.

A before/after video will be cut together for you to have a link to and will be anonymously used for our marketing.

(If you do not want us to use the video on our social feeds and for marketing FixMyRun, unfortunately we cannot attribute time to the video creation unless you buy the video edit product from our store.)