THE TAKEOFF PREPARATION AND TAKEOFF MOTIONS FOR ELITE MALE LONG JUMPERS

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The purpose of this study was to identify biomechanical characteristics of takeoff preparation and takeoff motions for elite male long jumpers, classifying their motions by using cluster analysis. The takeoff preparation and takeoff motions of 29 elite male long jumpers in competition were videotaped. The 29 jumps were classified into 4 jumping types with respect to the takeoff angle by using Ward’s method of cluster analysis: horizontal (H-type), semi-horizontal (SH-type), semi-vertical (SV-type), and vertical type (V-type). The H-type and SH-type jumpers maintained a large horizontal CG velocity with the trunk leaning forward in the takeoff preparation. The V-type and SV-type jumpers obtained larger vertical CG velocity by pivoting the body over the takeoff foot during the takeoff phase.