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Three Answers to Three Important High Jumping Questions
Hey Jumpers,
I had these great plans to go film a local high school meet
today and then do a video critique of their jumps for you to
watch, but thanks even more snow, more cold, and even some
wind...those plans have changed.
However, even though I am inside today, I wanted to answer
three extremely popular questions, very important questions,
I get over and over again.
Q1: Will high jumping shoes help me jump higher?
A1: Yes and no. The shoes alone will not, but the shoes
will allow you, as you build leg strength, to turn more
speed into jumping power. You can jump in running shoes
to a point, you can jump in sprint spikes, to a point, but
there comes a time when you are putting so much force on
your plant foot at takeoff you need those heel spikes to
keep you from sliding out (or tearing out the heel of your
shoe like I did) and possibly injuring yourself.
Q2: How important is video review? I go to practice but I
usually don't get around to recording my jumps.
A2: It is critical. Being told what you are doing wrong is
very different from watching exactly what you are doing
wrong. I don't care how you record your jumps - with a cell
phone, video camera or digital camera - make sure every
time you just you have 2-3 videos to take a look at.
Also, be sure to watch your videos using QuickTime, this
will allow you to use the arrow keys on your keyboard to
advance through the clip frame by frame and provide a much
better analysis of your form. If your files aren't in the
right format, go to the link below and convert them to an
MOV format to watch them on QuickTime:
http://www.zamzar.com
Q3: I really want my son to do well jumping this year, what
advice do you have?
A3: My advice? Be 100% supportive and make sure that jumping
is his decision. Parents, be careful that you aren't pushing
your jumper too hard. This is a sport that is very easy
to get burned out and frustrated with.
Jumpers, have fun. Don't take jumping too seriously. At
meets, get to know the other competitors and cheer them on.
When you are enjoying the event, you're relaxed, and when
you're relaxed, you'll be jumping higher. Guaranteed.
That's about it, if anyone happens to have control over the
weather, please press the "Sunshine and Warm Temps" button
for Northern Utah ;)