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The most important thing to consider when addressing running technique is to consider the context in which the running will take place. For example running in football requires a wider stance than does running in track and field. Context is important. Once you have determined what the purpose of running is for your young athlete, you can begin to address the correct running technique.

Many people neglect their running technique, stating that: "Running technique is like a fingerprint, everyone's is different." Athletic scientists would beg to differ. There are essential ways in which your body should move to maximize efficiency and to prevent injury. Here are the important things to look for.

Lower Extremities:
- The foot should not be pigeon toed (toes pointing in) or duck footed (toes pointing out), except during acceleration. Running without proper foot alignment can lead to ankle injuries.
- The runner's foot should strike the ground with the ball of the foot hitting the ground first. The heel should never hit the ground first, especially when decelerating.
- Depending on the speed of the run (distance or sprinting) the upper leg (thigh) should rise between 45 to 90 degrees, respectively.
- It is important that there is no lateral rotation at the hips during running. The entire leg should move through the range of motion purely in the sagittal plane of movement (forward and backward) there should be no movement to the side.
- Most of the movement of the lower extremities should take place at the hip. It is important not to over flex or overextend the hip while running.

Upper Extremities:
- The purpose of the arms in running is for balance. This is especially important while sprinting. Because of the role of the arms in running, the motion of the arms should be opposite that of the legs. For example: When your left arm is at the furthest point forward through its range of motion, the right leg should also be at the furthest point forward through its range of motion.
- The arms should be bent at the elbow. The degree of this angle is also dependent upon the context. During distance running the elbow will most likely not extend past 90 degrees. During sprinting the elbow may extend to 120 degrees on the backswing motion. During sprinting the elbow should not be flexed to an angle of less than 60 degrees.
- Similar to the lower extremities, the elbows should move primarily in the sagittal plane of movement (forward and backward). This is often more difficult for females

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