Why do soccer players have such terrible running form/technique

[CorporateCowboy]

Originally Posted by RjRobb2

As a former track athlete and soccer player, it is very difficult to explain why it differs. You have made fair points about most players not having the ball but you can't always use perfect form. But, I see players running with great form in every game I watch.

Running down a soccer field is not the same as running on a track where you have a single-minded focus.

It’s not hard to explain at all - I think a few posters did a great job of doing so. Track is completely different than soccer; in track, there is minimal contact and no need to rapidly veer off in another direction (and no ball to focus on). In soccer, however, your center of gravity is off and one must defend off opponents or be prepared to do so - while not taking your eye off the ball, which is constantly moving. In track, the only thing to focus on is form; in fact, form (and thus optimal speed) is the basis of the whole sport!

[swagmitt]

Originally Posted by pbobcat

Maybe running on grass with studded boots, often with a ball at their feet, or preparing to receive it with their head turned to face it? It's a completely different sport to track with much more skill and more variables involved. Simple really.

[qazz12]

Originally Posted by NJ Brazen_3133

Why do soccer players have such terrible running form/technique?

For a sport with so much running, you think, they learn how to maximize their stride, how to use their arms, and to position their bodies. But if you watch them, they are terrible. I think they need to bring in some track coaches.

Actually it'as the opposite. Soccer players have the best running form/technique with the ball semi-close to the feet.

[Huasho]

Why do soccer players have such terrible running form/technique

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