Running form drills can help you run faster by eliminating weakness and hitches in your gait. Each drill focuses on one aspect of good running form, such as a good back-kick or high knees, so that moving in that way becomes more natural to you. Over time, the improved movement patterns become ingrained in your normal running stride, and you can run faster with less risk of injury.
Start incorporating running form drills into your routine by doing them once a week after an easy run. Doing them the same day you do striders is an excellent choice. Once you become used to doing the drills, do some as part of your warm-up before hard workouts; in that setting, they’ll help you be ready to run the first repeat with good, fluid form.
Elite coaches Greg McMillan and Jay Johnson have each produced excellent DVDs on running form drills. The DVDs demonstrate the proper form for each drill so that you can get the greatest benefit from your work.