THE EVOLUTION OF HIGH JUMPING TECHNIQUE: BIOMECHANICAL ANALYSIS

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Over the years, high jumping technique has improved through changes in the run-up, the takeoff and the bar clearance. The straddle technique used a fast run-up and strong free limb actions during the takeoff to increase the generation of lift. The production of the angular momentum needed for the bar clearance in the Fosbury-flop technique (which replaced the straddle) is in conflict with the use of strong free limb actions during the takeoff. Fosbury-flop high jumpers compensate by using a faster run-up. Some athletes are able to generate more lift with the faster run-up and weaker free limb actions of the Fosbury-flop, while others can generate more lift with the slower run-up but stronger free limb actions of the straddle. Therefore, both techniques should be in use today. However, the straddle has disappeared, because the Fosbury-flop is much easier to learn.