FOOT STRIKE Coach Ed Dear Coach Ed, I am a parent of two boys (10 and 7), who are learning to run cross-country for fun only at our local YMCA. They have a good start to the fundamentals; however, I was surprised when I heard the "coach" explaining that they should run so the impact was on the ball of their foot not the heel. I figure that at their age level and attention span, they will run the way they naturally do. I would love some advice on this. I don't want to dash out there and contradict the coach, but I do want to avoid injuries if possible. Thanks in advance, Barb Dear Barb, I agree with what you said about young kids running naturally.   Just to give you some background the kids I coach are 7-14.  There are all levels of talent on our team from national championship caliber, to kids who just enjoy running.  In 16 seasons of training, the only suggestions I have made to young athletes concerning foot strike is occasionally I'll advise a kid to shorten his/her stride.  That's it!   You may not have to contradict the coach.  At 7 and 10 your kids will run the way they are comfortable. It will be too awkward for them to run distance on the balls of their feet. For young kids learning running FUNdamentals, the emphasis should be on FUN.  Good luck, Coach Ed Ed Poirier, "Coach Ed", recently was invited by the United States Olympic committee to attend a workshop and training seminar at the Olympic training center in California.