A Regression Analysis of High Jumping Technique

Abstract

It is difficult to ascertain for an individual high jumper the optimum values of the horizontal velocity and height of the center of mass at the end of the approach ran (VHOand H0, respectively) and of the activeness of the arms during the takeoff phase (AACT), because they depend on each athlete’s ability to resist buckling of the takeoff leg. However, the strongest jumpers will generally be those with the largest vertical elocity values at the end of the takeoff phase (VZ1). Therefore, VZ1may serve as a rough indicator of a high jumper’s ability to resist buckling. This project derived equations that permit the use of the measured VZ1value of a high jumper to predict what values should be expected for VHO, H0, and AACT. Comparison of the predicted and actual values of these parameters should help to diagnose the technique deficiencies of individual jumpers.

Optimum take-off angle in the long jump

“…h max values of 71-80% of their standing height, which is consistent with the take-off height reported for high jumpers (Dapena, McDonald, & Cappaert, 1990). …”

Differences in kinematics of the support limb depends on specific movement tasks of take-off

“…Kinematic parameters of our athletes were similar to those reported earlier (Čoh & Novak, 2002;Dapena et al, 1990;Isolehto et al, 2007). However, approach speed of our subjects was lower due to laboratory space constraints, so joint-torque characteristics of our athletes and top athletes should be different.…”

“…Two basic strategies are distinguished in the high jump -power flop and speed flop (Dapena, 1996(Dapena, , 1997Dapena, McDonald, & Cappaert, 1990). Power flop is typical for taller athletes with less reactive strength capacity.…”

The Influence of Touchdown Parameters on the Performance of a High Jumper

“…However the optimum technique determined by Alexander's model was not specific to any athlete. Dapena et al (1990) collected data on 77 elite high jumpers in competition. In contrast to the quadratic type of relationship between approach speed and jump height for a single athlete obtained by Alexander, Dapena et al found a linear relationship between approach speed and jump height when using the best jump of each athlete.…”