Cyril Rioli Learning to Run Again

So I read on the internet a couple of days ago that the Hawthorn fitness staff are trying to teach Cyril Rioli to run with a different action to hopefully decrease his hamstring injuries in the future.

I believe they want to him to take shorter steps which leads me to think that his long stride, a staple of indigenous players and the number 1 reason why they have so much pace, is the reason for his hamstring pulls.

I really don't think this is a good idea.

As I detailed in the Aussie Rules Off Season Training Manual, the equation for sprinting is stride length x stride frequency with length being a product of dynamic flexibility and mobility and frequency being a product of relative and maximal strength levels.

When sprinting the hamstrings do go into an extreme and rapid stretch position which does put a lot of pressure on the hamstring, especially when running at full pace. One of the best ways to strengthen the hamstrings in the stretch position is through deep lunge variations with relative heavy weight. My best choice would be reverse lunges with relative heavy weight as well as incorporating glute ham raises and of course heavy squats and deadlifts into the mix.

From the look of most indigenous players it seems to me that they're not living in the weight room and maybe it is a fear of bulking them up and taking away their pace and running ability but I think this is a big mistake not just for them, but for all players.

Changing Cyril's stride to a shorter one will only shift the stress to another part of his body (quads) and as a result he could easily have hamstring and quadricep troubles.

A good dose of glute activation and strengthening to retrain the glutes to be the dominant hip extensor, will relieve the pressure going through the hamstrings so they only carry the share of the load from running that they are supposed to.