Elitetrack: Sport Training & Conditioning

if a high jumper had an understanding of the technical side of the flop could they become a better jumper? i know how to jump and i have done the technique so many time it has become natural. but i was never really told why the flop works, it has always just been this is how you do it no questions asked.So if a high jumper had a understanding of the mechanics/technical side of the flop could a high jumper have better form?

If a high jumper had better understanding of mechanics/technique for high jumping it would definitely help them out a lot when practicing to be technically proficient at the event.  I am not sure if the athlete definitely needs to know that the flop allows for your center of mass to actually be outside of your body or anything specific with the physics of it but it wouldn’t hurt for the athlete to understand all of that.  The more knowledge the better I would say so long as the athlete doesn’t over think certain concepts to the point where it holds them back.

Without a coach who fully understands high jumping technique (and few do) or a complete understanding yourself, there is no hope of fixing mistakes - none. Good, meaning effective, high jumping technique does not come naturally; in fact, good high jumping technique runs counter to your experience. Experience tells a jumper to dive over the bar in just the same way a child dives up onto his or her bed. That’s what comes naturally, but it is not what makes for an efficient bar crossing in the high jump.

To do it right you must understand the technique and how to instruct your brain to perform what amounts to a gymnastic maneuver. I recommend going to http://www.highjumpcoach.com and reading the High Jump Coach Book on that web site. Then come back here with any questions.

Glen Stone

I think understanding the flop is important so they know that if performed right they can jump almost straight up and the approach will carry them and rotate them over the bar.