OCR PE Unit 6.3 Athletics Based Sport - High Jump

OCR PE Unit 6.3

Athletics Based Sport - High Jump

As I do not participate in high jump this post explains the perfect model high jumper, singling out what they are doing well and what they could improve on. I will compare the athletes performance to my understanding of the techniques and what I believe I can do.

The Perfect Model - Javier Sotomayor

Cuban athlete Javier Sotomayor was a professional high jumping athlete. He is known as the best ever jumper as he holds the world record for the highest jump. Sotomayor set this record of 2.45m in 1993 and this record still stands.

Some of Sotomayor's biggest acheivments other than holding the world record are -

•  He was the olympic champion in 1992
•  Indoor and Outdoor world champion in 1993
•  He holds the highest 3 jumps ever being 2.43, 2.44 and the world record of 2.45
• At the age of only 16 he jumped 2.33m

Below are some pictures of Sotomayor in action -

This picture shows the run up to the world record jump

This picture shows Javier Sotomayor training

This picture shows Sotomayor jumping 2.44m at the 1992 Olympics

Sotomayor's heart, determination and excellent technique resulted in him becoming the best jumper ever by a landmark. Sice 2000 nobody has jumped over 2.40m. Sotomayor misses the thrill of competition, ' What I miss is competitng' and he belives someone may beat his world record, ' Some day somebody will beat me'.

  

Below is Sotomayor's world record jump -

http://www.youtube.com/embed/IclEQA48IOE?rel=0

In the video above Javier Sotomayor does everything right. His unique precision and accuracy is present and his personal technique is pulled off very well. In this jump Sotomayor's athleticism is brilliant and not only did he beat his personal best he set a very impressive world record.

The key things that Sotomayor did well were -

1. He precise with his unique approach and curved in towards the bar at the perfect time
2. He drove his body with extreme power upwards and thrust his arms upwards
3. He arched his back at the right time
4. He was precise with his moves
5. He raised his legs and feet over the bar after he had cleared it
6. Aggression shown when he took big strides in his run up

Studying the Fosbury Flop Technique - Step by Step

Step 1: The Approach

A powerful run approaching the bar is the key to a successful jump. The approach should be curved towards the centre of the bar as this is the lowest point.

Step 2: Take - Off

As you finish the approach take - off from the foot furthest away from the bar. If you come in from the right this will be your left foot. Ensure you thrust your arms to gain momentum and drive your body upwards.

Step 3: Clearing the Bar

The leg you are leading with should help you twist your body over the bar. Aim to lay back, keep your arms tight to your side, arch your back and lift your hips.

Step 4: Landing

Finally lift your head and feet to complete the clearance, only after your bottom has cleared the bar.

Tips

•  Do not try to jump to high as the technique will not be precise enough
•  Do not jump too early as you will not keep the momentum or power to clear the bar
•  Do not over arch you back as you may not have time to raise your feet over the bar.

I managed to hire out the equipment for high jump and below I am demonstrating my skill level -

In this performance Ishowed good momentum and acceleration.