Curve Running and the High Jump

We live in a spectator arena, and that is why we run laps.  I wrote about Curve Running – The Ultimate Guide and The Effect of Wind on Curve Running.

Curve running is important, but even more important, is curve running on the high jump approach.  Click here for all articles on the high jump.

A while back, I interviewed Dave Kerin on the Freelap Friday Five

In this paper, written by James Baker, Dave Kerin, and Li-Shan Chou, they discuss the consequences of deviation from the curve radius in the high jump approach.

Consequences of Deviation from the Curve Radius in the high jump approach.

The results of this study suggest deviation from a constant radius curve is common among elite high jumpers.

While these deviations may help athletes get on top of bars through the production of greater vertical velocities at takeoff, it is likely that, through  decreased rotation during takeoff and increased bar travel, they impair the athlete’s ability to cleanly negotiate the bar.

These results suggest coaches and athletes must find an appropriate balance between vertical velocity production and rotation.

These results also suggest coaches and athletes should be especially mindful of the transition from the straight portion of the approach to the curved portion, as the quality of its execution will have strong ramifications for the remainder of the approach.

Click here for the full paper.