PaceSetter Book

Jumping Activities 5

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5.2.2.2 The ‘Fosbury’ Flop

Named after its American creator, Dick Fosbury, the ‘Fosbury’ Flop revolutionised high jumping but it has only been possible through the introduction of modern high jump landing areas.

Competition for young athletes under 11 years is normally and quite rightly restricted to the Scissor Jump technique. The 'Scissors Jump' never needs to leave the training programme since the upright body posture is an indication of a run-through the take-off behaviour. A body that leans back in the 'Scissors Jump' will be thrown at the bar in the 'Fosbury Flop'. Since it is not uncommon for many young athletes joining Track & Field Athletic Clubs to seek to follow the elite athletes and mimic their styles, the basic technique of the ‘Fosbury’ Flop can be introduced in the following way: The approach should begin straight and on the final three strides the young athletes then run on a curve. Some young athletes, however, will have a fully curved approach, but the only place the curve is required is in the final strides in preparation for take-off and the approach should gradually accelerate up to these last few strides. Take-off is once again with foot furthest from the bar and the knee of the free leg is driven upwards towards the chest and slightly across the body introducing the rotation. It is important that the young athlete does not have his or her back to the bar before take-off. The rotation comes into effect after the young athlete has taken off and therefore the bar is crossed with the back arched down towards the mat. To complete the clearance of the bar, the head is dropped backwards, the heels will lift upwards and the young athlete lands on the mat on his or her back. WEB COPY ©EVEQUE

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