High Jump Run-Up

This page is a disscusion page for the approach phase of the high jump. Although the high jump has been one of the most intensely studied events in track and field, knowledge of it is still imperfect, and there is plenty of room for doubts and disagreements. It is by open discussion of these doubts and disagreements that we will improve our understanding of this event, and ultimatly create robust paradigms and principles to teach and coach from.

I will be posting title links to the posts that I have written regarding the high jump approach and other biomechanical factors involved in running and jumping. Click each title to read the full article.

High Jump Run-up Calculation – click here

A simple guide to a technique developed by British high jump expert Mike Dolby, for calculating anaccurate run-up

Run-up speed vs vertical speed of jump – click here

This shows the relationship between the speed of approach runing and the vertical velolcity produced in the jump. The male jumps at the top end exceed 2.40 meters in the actual hight jumped. Over 4.2 m/s vertical velocity is required for top male high jumpers producing 1.20m + of vertical jump, this requies a run-up speed of around 7 – 8 m/s

Pronation at take-off – click here

Pronation of the ankle joint at take-off can be fatal to the high jumper. Jesus Depena was first made aware of this pronation problem after discussion with my old trainer Mike Dolby in the late 1980’s. After seeing the videos like these he went on to define the biomechanical problem and to describe the forces and movement angles involved in take-off. Thank you very much Jesus, you are a good man.