High Jump

This unique series of videos offers athletics coaches a complete examination of proper mechanics and teaching strategies for each technical event in athletics. Each is composed of two parts: the first part is a full biomechanical video analysis by Coach Pfaff on a world class competitor. The second part is comprised of a videotaped training session of him working with an athlete in the same event discipline. This video focuses on high jump mechanics.

In lecture format, this presentation is a complete and comprehensive review of high jump technique from start to finish. If you are a high jump coach, everything you need to know in terms of biomechanics is in this video.

In this practical presentation coach Pfaff guides a number of developmental athletes and their coaches through a high jump technical session, analyzing their technique and offering his advice.

For high jump coaches, this presentation is simply outstanding. Its central premise is Bosch’s belief that coaches should start viewing high jump from a more anatomical point of view as opposed to a kinematic one.

German high jump coach Wolfgang Ritzdorf gives a detailed lecture on the biomechanics and neuromechanics of jumping technique.

Biomechanists with a specialty in the field of athletics are invaluable and, unfortunately, surprisingly rare. Jesus Dapena is a sport scientist from Indiana University who has contributed dozens of enlightening papers on various topics within our sport, specifically in the high jump and throwing events. In particular, it is his 2007 comprehensive high jump report to the USATF that this interview focuses on. In this document, Jesus’ considerable knowledge is demonstrated as he critically breaks down each phase of the jump. This publication has been added to our site alongside this interview and is a must read for coaches of this event.

In this two-part interview coach Pfaff offers his views on pole vault and high jump techniques including approach, take-off and clearance mechanics. Included in this is a discussion of his work with Dr. James Hay on visual steering for jumpers as well as what to look for in a potential vaulter or high jumper. Vertical jumps coaches will not want to miss this unique opportunity to sit down and listen to one of the sport’s pre-eminent biomechanists talk shop.

Written by: Matthew P. Greig and Maurice R. Yeadon

Written By: Jesus Dapena, Brian J. Gordon, and Benjamin W. Moyer

Written by: Jesus Dapena and Travis Ficklin