RB David Montgomery reinventing his running style

[UOK]

https://www.audacy.com/670thescore/spor ... -as-runner

Montgomery sought to change that perception, so he went to work. Last June, he followed Bears teammate Thomas Ives to Chicago's western suburbs and began working with Chris Korfist, whom Montgomery called "probably the best speed trainer in the world." They used a reflexive performance reset as they aimed to refine Montgomery as a runner.

Korfist identified instability in Montgomery's pelvis while he ran with the football, which was part of his powerful style. Korfist compared it to a car driving with a loose axle, limiting its speed. Montgomery's ability to break away from defenders was limited.

"He’s actually teaching me how to run," Montgomery said. "Like, I’m 23 years old, getting ready to turn 24 here soon in a couple days. But I’ve not been able to run properly the entirety of my life. Me not really realizing how I didn’t know how to run, he’s definitely cleared that image up for me. He’s definitely helping me out a lot.

Since he started working with Korfist, Montgomery hasn't run a true timed 40-yard dash. But Korfist estimates that Montgomery is now at a 4.44 mark, a vast improvement from the 4.63 he clocked at the NFL Combine in 2019. Montgomery has added 1.5 miles per hour to his speed since he began with Korfist a year ago.

[Moriarty]

Interesting. But I don't know if, this far into doing something one way, you can truly make a permanent, fundamental change.

[crueltyabc]

First of all, good on Montgomery for being open to coaching. Obviously, any improvement in long speed would definitely help him. It sounds hard to change your gait when you're running unconsciously but maybe he could think about his form once he breaks into the open field?

Secondly, this reminded me that Ives has crazy athletic numbers. It's interesting that some of these guys just can't translate athleticism to performance.

https://relativeathleticscores.com/2020 ... -ives-ras/

[wab]

First of all, good on Montgomery for being open to coaching. Obviously, any improvement in long speed would definitely help him. It sounds hard to change your gait when you're running unconsciously but maybe he could think about his form once he breaks into the open field?

Secondly, this reminded me that Ives has crazy athletic numbers. It's interesting that some of these guys just can't translate athleticism to performance.

https://relativeathleticscores.com/2020 ... -ives-ras/

He's a big dude too.

Plus I would imagine that the jump from Colgate to the NFL was pretty significant.

As far as Montgomery goes, this is cool. I just hope he isn't sacrificing power for speed.

[IE]

This is a really good explanation for why I thought I saw something different from Monty last year from previous years or college tape. It was like "I really didn't realize he had breakaway speed in him". Like Monty himself said... who thinks a 23 year old is going to suddenly get faster?

But he did - he clearly did. And that is just so great

[Yogi da Bear]

I wonder if this is part of Korfirst's training:



Run David! Run! lol

[Wounded Bear]

I’m reinventing the way I get out of chairs.

[Arkansasbear]

I wonder if this is part of Korfirst's training:



Run David! Run! lol

I love that movie. My wife rolls her eyes at me about it. (but she does that for a lot of things)>

[HisRoyalSweetness]

Plus I would imagine that the jump from Colgate to the NFL was pretty significant.

Yeah, I mean I thought my jump from Colgate to Sensodyne was pretty significant, but that's peanuts to the NFL.

[grendel2000]

I’m reinventing the way I get out of chairs.

I'm not...

[G08]

https://www.audacy.com/670thescore/spor ... -as-runner

Since he started working with Korfist, Montgomery hasn't run a true timed 40-yard dash. But Korfist estimates that Montgomery is now at a 4.44 mark, a vast improvement from the 4.63 he clocked at the NFL Combine in 2019. Montgomery has added 1.5 miles per hour to his speed since he began with Korfist a year ago.

... what!?

[G08]

Not to put a negative spin on this, but I hope this doesn't detract from his power...

[IE]

Not to put a negative spin on this, but I hope this doesn't detract from his power...

I thought the story was this started over a year ago, and I thought was an explanation for the breakaways that emerged from him last year. So I do think his short-distance stuff will be the same, and it is more about how he runs when he breaks free.

[Yogi da Bear]

Not to put a negative spin on this, but I hope this doesn't detract from his power...

I thought the story was this started over a year ago, and I thought was an explanation for the breakaways that emerged from him last year. So I do think his short-distance stuff will be the same, and it is more about how he runs when he breaks free.

He sure looks like he has more speed here than he did in college. https://youtu.be/1WaO4F_4mCo If he's even faster now, watch out.

[G08]

I love the kid... if his 4.58 from his Pro Day is closer to a 4.48, that makes him even more of a threat.

Fuck, my football itch is starting to come back

[mmmc_35]

These speed coaches are great for track sports improvement. Generally not as much for football. As long as it doesn't change the running style to much it's a good thing.. The offensive line will have more to do with his YPC. I am glad he is working on his weaknesses.

That said if you watch a quick highlight comparison he does look a touch faster and his running style didnt suffer. However that could be a bias due to this article

2020


2019

[Yogi da Bear]

If you look at the eighty yard run, you'll notice that those defensive backs didn't catch, didn't even gain much on him. That wouldn't have happened in college. Also, looking at it, he's stride seems different to me when he breaks out. More like some of those track stars you see with the quick steps.

[Wounded Bear]

Here’s Monty working with his trainer:

[Atkins&Rebel]

In the trenches Monty will never break from his old style.
The difference is when he sees daylight. Monty never had that extra gear because he never learned to run correctly.

The way sport science has evolved is crazy. Between gait analysis from a camera evaluation, to a hands on medical check from a physical or athletic trainer, every movement aspect can be broken down and corrected if desired.

[malk]

I'm sure he could make significant gains if he can commit and change his muscle memory, which as a pro is definitely doable. Also agree with the comments about being able to keep a power style in the trenches and switching in the open field, definitely doable.

I'm actually going through similar myself, though obviously not at the same level! I've picked up so many bits of injuries, stiffness, tightnesses etc. over 20 years of rugby and a few nasty injuries. Converting into more of a 5k runner has seen me start to pick up some overuse injuries here and there. If my local physio can record gait and pick out where I have reduced mobility and tightness then prescribe stretches and drills to change then I'm sure NFL player money can get more!

It's honestly a nightmare though. Thinking about running rather than just doing it is incredibly weird. He'll have to get it totally instinctive before the season starts otherwise it'll go. That said tailored mobility adaptations, stretches etc. make a world of difference too.

[Yogi da Bear]

Here’s Monty working with his trainer:

lol
You're absolutely correct. Here we see David practicing his Bureau of Funny Walks:

[Wounded Bear]

Nice!