Sounds like the biggest issue with her is from a mental/psychological standpoint. So, she is strong in the first half/three-quarters of the approach and then a lapse or breakdown occurs in the end? How does she count her steps during her run-up? Do you guys practice this strategy during the week? I can very much relate to your points (her weaknesses) at the end of the jump. Do you feel she lacks the focus needed to achieve those near perfect jumps that she seems to have the potential for?
So, she is strong in the first half/three-quarters of the approach and then a lapse or breakdown occurs in the end?
I hope you can see what is happening here. This was her 1st meet, although we had discussed this before and showed no signs of this during practice runup sessions. This was a 4.97m jump where she is a foot in front of the board!
How does she count her steps during her run-up?
She uses 1 of 2 checkmarks (depending on problem area in competition) during a 17 step runup. The number of steps is not a problem, although she had to jump immediately after a 200m sprint and 2 weeks ago, a 300m race.
Do you guys practice this strategy during the week?
Twice during non-meet weeks and once prior to a competition week.
Do you feel she lacks the focus needed to achieve those near perfect jumps that she seems to have the potential for?
In the situation shown here, I can only think that has been the case. Aggressive at the start and tentative at the end (weak rotation). Not typical with her races.
Even from this video clip, it's amazing to see how true your point was regarding the absence of lowering action at all during the penultimate step. This alone is causing the lack of a vertical component and thus (ultimately) resulting in an inadequate landing.
She does appear to attack the first half of the approach, however, also from this clip there is a noticable slowing in the final 3-4 steps.
What I meant by "counting her steps" is not your checkmark system, but a mental count by her internally. I have my athletes practice this religiously while we work our full approaches and we see positive results when it comes time to hit the board in comp. I advise them to count (internally) every left (or right) foot depending on which they take-off on. If I have an athlete with a 16-step approach, as soon as they count that "14" they know to hit that "lower-pop" on the next 2 (penultimate and take-off steps).
You're right about that jump though….she was a ways from an ideal take-off point that cost her that precious foot ++ in the end!
Originally posted by jumpscoachmike...She does appear to attack the first half of the approach, however, also from this clip there is a noticable slowing in the final 3-4 steps.
What I meant by "counting her steps" is not your checkmark system, but a mental count by her internally. I have my athletes practice this religiously while we work our full approaches and we see positive results when it comes time to hit the board in comp. I advise them to count (internally) every left (or right) foot depending on which they take-off on. If I have an athlete with a 16-step approach, as soon as they count that "14" they know to hit that "lower-pop" on the next 2 (penultimate and take-off steps)...
A prior comment on the initial runup steps were key to some trial and modification in the first 7 steps.
Thank you for the clarification concerning step count. She started back to practice this morning (7:00 a.m.) and showed some good 10m speed. We will discuss step counting with her tomorrow while viewing video and intend to implement during our LJ run sessions.
Thanks Coach. I will keep you abreast on our progress.
By the way, we do running, as well as, standing jump-tucks in pits to work on landing prep. Any other routines that you may share are welcomed.
I hope the count works for you. The more she practices it and really focuses on it, the better. This could possibly be what she needs from a mental standpoint to help erase some tentativeness at the board.
As well as run-up and standing tuck jumps into a pit, I also incorporate a springboard once in a while (usually during indoor season when forced inside into our gymnasium) for take-off/flight mechanics. We can see the vertical component more so here when an athlete takes off and it allows them to better practice the full mechanics of the hang that we use….along with the landing.
I am a high jumper and recently I have gotten some new steps. I used to have a 12 step approach and my coach has made me lower it to 10. When he had me retake my steps I had to count out 5 steps before the curve and another 5 while in the curve. Before I started counting steps I was in a slump, only doing 5'10" at best, but now that I count them It seems as though my jumping has become alot stronger. Im doing 6'0" and 6'2" again. My question is why would just counting steps change ones ability to do something so much?
Great to hear that your jumps are improving….i'm sure there's more to come yet. I coach long and triple jumpers and although differences are found between the horizontal jumps and your event, there still are many critical similarities…so i'll attempt to answer your question here.
A successful approach run is based in large part on an increased stride length and frequency as an athlete comes down a runway. With this in mind, it is important to master the tempo of your approach to eliminate those annoying and possibly common fouling mistakes at the board. By using a system of counting your take-off foot as you approach your jump, you can best visualize this increased stride frequency up through the takeoff. As well, as you master this internal count, a jumper can gain greater confidence in their approach and eliminate mistakes such as looking down toward or at the board, decelerating at the end of the approach, and even steering (if it occurs too late..i.e. at the penultimate step).
Once you've mastered this tempo count system, you will be 'automatic' in a sense that (in my opinion) your approach will be something that you will have complete confidence in. Because, as we know, the approach is certainly the key to the entire jump.
I hope this somewhat answers your question and I'm glad to hear you've bought into what a difference this tempo count can do for a jumper.
Nice post Mike. I think counting steps can be of real value to all jumpers but especially high jumpers and pole vaulters. In fact, I have all my women pole vaulters count steps early in the year to regulate tempo and correctly time up the pole drop and plant.
Originally posted by jumpscoachmike
Good luck! Let me know how that goes.
The problem with the runup seems to be solved. She was able to takeoff on the board in 2-out-of-3 attempts. Her best effort came when she pushed to checkmark #2 (step 7) and counted down (5r) to the takeoff.
Her takeoff prep and flight attitude are still problems. There has always been a problem with processing multiple inputs. Therefore, the main focus has been solely on the runup.
We are confident in our work plan to address takeoff prep and flight mechanics. Unfortunately, we are limited in full execution during the indoor season and are more optimistic for the spring. Once the quality and freedom of movement, during work sessions, are improved, she should experience some outstanding efforts.
Your interest and support has been extremely helpful during this phase. Expect to see more of our efforts to improve this athlete's development . Since I will surely keep you informed.
I'll be looking forward to hearing some of those great results. I myself am at the end stages of planning for our upcoming season…practice begins march 8th here in Wisconsin. Because almost all of my female jumpers are winter sport athletes (basketball), I don't have any competing in club at this time. I wish I did however, because there are some great opportunities to get an early 'jump' on the season by competing during the winter.
Well…enough rambling. I'll talk to you soon Price.
Originally posted by jumpscoachmike
Good luck! Let me know how that goes.
Last night's sequence @ RLTAC: 5.16/5.47/5.55. First time with no pre-jump work (runups, popups, etc). A 300m sprint preceded the jump comp. A twenty-five minute recovery and then directly on the runway!
She now senses the runup, subsequent to checkmark verification. Probably due to familiarization with facility. Although it had been 11 days since her prior competition.
Your recommendations, and that of Steven Keyes of MTFOA, have helped immensely. Though we have division, states and hopefully regional tournament bouts ahead, we are quite satisfied with the results.
There remains some areas that can use "touching up", the penult/takeoff and landing prep. However, the speed and focus is there!
