Differences in High Jump Style that You Need to Know

High jump is an athletic discipline that involves participants jumping as far as possible onto a bar placed at a certain height. There are several styles or techniques used in the high jump, and the main difference between these styles lies in the way the athlete jumps across the bar. Here is a brief introduction to the differences between the most commonly used high jump styles:

1. Single Jump Styles (Scissor Jump):

   • Athletes use one leg as the kicking leg, while the other leg is used as the supporting leg.
   • The position of the body forms an angle before jumping.
   • This style is now rarely used in international competitions because limitations in the height that can be achieved.

2. Western Roll Style:

   • Athletes use the rolling technique by using the shoulder as the first part of the body to cross the bar.
   • The kicking leg will cross in front of the supporting leg.
   • This style was quite popular in the past but is rarely used today.
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3. Fosbury Flop style:

   • This is the most common style used in the modern high jump.
   • Athletes jump with their backs facing the bar, and the first leg to pass over the bar is the back leg.
   • This technique allows athletes to reach greater heights because their back serves as the main propellant.
   • This style is named after the American athlete, Dick Fosbury, who first used it and won an Olympic gold medal with this technique in 1968.

4. Scale Style (Straddle Jump):

   • Athletes jump with their legs forming an obtuse angle that opens like the letter “V.”
   • Legs The kicker first passes over the bar, and the supporting leg then passes over the bar below him.
   • This style was popular in the past but is now less common in high-level competition.

The choice of high jump style used by an athlete can be influenced by personal preference, body flexibility, and the type of training received. However, the Fosbury Flop is the most dominant technique in the modern high jump because of its effectiveness in reaching higher heights.

To understand more about the differences in high jump styles. So you can read a more detailed explanation regarding the Differences in High Jump Style below.

What is a High Jump?

High jump is an athletic sport in which participants attempt to jump as far as possible over a bar placed at a certain height. The main goal of the high jump is to cross the bar without dropping it, with the feet or other part of the body highest above the bar. High jump participants run towards the bar and perform a jump to clear the bar before falling back to the runway. The winner in the high jump is the participant who can cross the bar at the highest height or who jumps the highest. High jump is a branch of athletics that demands good technique, strength, speed and coordination from its participants.

History and Characteristics

Fosbury Flop Style is a high jump technique that is very influential in the world of athletics. It is named after the American athlete, Dick Fosbury, who first used it competitively and achieved great success. This style has a history and special characteristics:

History:

• Before the advent of the Fosbury Flop, the dominant high jump style was the straddle style. ) and single stroke (scissor jump), which involves jumping with a more vertical body position.
• Dick Fosbury began developing his own technique in 1963 when he was still a teenager. He approached the high jump with the idea of clearing the bar with his back toward the bar rather than in the more conventional vertical position.
• Fosbury continued to develop and hone his technique over several years and eventually began winning national competitions with this technique.

Characteristics:

1. Back to Cross: The most striking characteristic of the Fosbury Flop is the position of the athlete’s back facing the bar when jumping. This is a big difference from conventional high jump techniques where the athlete jumps with a straighter or more upright back position.

2. How the Thrust Works: The athlete uses the back and their shoulders as the main driver to get over the bar. When jumping, they bend backwards and allow their upper body to pass over the bar before their feet.

3. Foot First: The athlete’s back foot is the first foot which passes over the bar, followed by the kicking leg. This allows athletes to reach greater heights by maximizing jump height.

4. Utilization of Technology: Technology has been an important part in the development and mastery of the Fosbury Flop technique . Video analysis, customized training and a deeper understanding of biomechanics have helped athletes to improve their technique.

The Fosbury Flop proves that innovation and creative thinking can bring about major changes in sport. This technique has become standard in modern high jumping, and most high-level athletes use this technique because of its efficiency in reaching greater heights. Dick Fosbury won his first Olympic gold medal in 1968 with this technique, and since then, the Fosbury Flop has inspired many high jumpers around the world.

Scissors Jump Style (Origin and Technique)

Scissors Jump style (scissors jump) is a high jump technique that was once popular before the advent of the Fosbury Flop technique which dominates modern high jumps. It is one of the more conventional high jump styles, and the technique has specific origins and characteristics.

Origins:

• Scissors Jump Style has a long history in the world of athletic sports. Initially, this technique was known as the bar style high jump because the athlete would cross the bar with his lower body, similar to the method of jumping over wooden bars that was used at that time.
• This technique became popular in the 19th century, and At first, the athlete will jump using one leg as the kicking leg and the other as the supporting leg, in a knife-like position.
• As time goes by, the Scissors Jump technique has undergone several modifications, including variations with the legs opposite each other, similar to a scissor movement.

Characteristics:

• The Scissors Jump technique has several key characteristics:
  1. Starting Position: The athlete runs towards the bar with the legs moving simultaneously forward, and the body tends to be upright or almost upright.
  2. Jump: When reaching the bar, the athlete jumps and extends the leg toward the bar in a movement similar to scissors.
  3. Kicking Leg: The leg used as the kicking leg first passes over the bar, followed by the supporting leg following.
  4. Landing: Athletes will attempt to clear the bar with their legs and lower body and then attempt to land safely on the adjacent runway.

The Scissors Jump technique relies on good body strength and coordination, and in the past, this technique has achieved impressive heights. However, along with the advent of the Fosbury Flop technique, the Scissors Jump technique became less common in high level competitions as the Fosbury Flop technique proved to be more efficient in reaching greater heights. Even so, the Scissors Jump style remains part of the history and evolution of the high jump.

Eastern Cut-off Style (Characteristics and Approaches)

Eastern Cut-off Style is one of the techniques The high jump is less common and not as popular as the Fosbury Flop style in modern high jumping. This is a technique that has several characteristics and a special approach:

Typical Characteristics:

1. Body Position: One of the characteristics of the Eastern Cut-off Style is the athlete’s body position when jumping. The athlete will face towards the bar with a slightly straight back, similar to the Scissors Jump, but with an important difference: one arm of the athlete will be extended in front of them, while the other arm will be bent and brought towards the bar.

2. Kicking Leg: The athlete will use one of their legs as the first kicking leg over the bar, while the other leg will follow in a passing movement under the kicking leg. The kicking foot will help propel the athlete across the bar.

3. Landing: After clearing the bar, the athlete will attempt to land safely on the runway. This platform is usually soft foam to reduce the impact when landing.

Approach:

• The Eastern Cut-off style is a technique that requires good coordination between the athlete’s arms, legs and body. The correct approach in using this technique is as follows:

  1. Starting Position: The athlete will start from a starting position that is quite far from the bar and run towards the bar with quite high speed.

  2. Jump: When reaching the bar, the athlete will jump using bent arms as support. The kicker’s foot will move towards the bar, and the athlete will try to get over the bar with their body.

  3. Control: Control of the body and legs when jumping is very important for cross the barrier successfully. Coordination between the outstretched arm and the kicking leg used to clear the bar is key.

  4. Landing: After clearing the bar, the athlete will attempt to land safely on the foundation has been prepared. A good landing is important to avoid injury.

It should be remembered that the Eastern Cut-off Style is less common in today’s high level high jump competitions. The Fosbury Flop technique has dominated the sport due to its efficiency in reaching greater heights. However, some athletes may choose the Eastern Cut-off Style based on personal preference or certain physical constraints.

Western Roll Style (Technique and Use)

Western Roll Style is one of the high jump techniques that was used before the Fosbury Flop technique dominated modern high jump sports. It is a technique that involves a number of specific characteristics and technical approaches:

Western Roll Style Technique:

1. Position Starting: The athlete will start from a starting position that is quite far from the high jump bar and run towards the bar at a fairly high speed.

2. Starting Jump strong>: Upon reaching the bar, the athlete will perform an initial jump with the aim of positioning their shoulders closer to the bar. This is done by swinging the leg closer to the bar up while turning the body to face the bar.

3. Shoulder Landing: One of the key characteristics of the Style The Western Roll is the use of the shoulders as the primary tool to get over the bar. The athlete will attempt to drop their shoulders as close to the bar as possible when passing over the bar.

4. Passing Movement: Once the shoulder has passed the bar, the other leg and foot will follow with movements passing under the athlete’s body. The first leg to cross the bar is the leg that is closer to the bar.

5. Landing: After passing the bar, the athlete will try to land safely on the runway that has been provided. prepared. A good landing is very important to avoid injury.

Using the Western Roll:

• Style Western Roll is a high jump technique that was quite popular in the past, especially in the 1920s to 1950s. Several athletes successfully used this technique in high-level competitions at the time.

• However, as time went by, this technique became less common in high-level high jumps. This is due to the advent of the Fosbury Flop technique which has proven to be more efficient in reaching higher heights.

• Some athletes may still use the Western Roll Style in competition or training, especially if they feel comfortable with this technique or have a specific physical reason for doing so.

Keep in mind that high jump techniques have evolved over time, and the techniques used can differ from one athlete to another . Although the Western Roll Style no longer dominates the modern high jump, it remains part of the sport’s history.

Technical Factors

In each style of high jump, the role of the body and legs is very important to achieve maximum height. Different technique factors influence how the body and legs are used in each style. The following are the effects of the body and legs in several common high jump styles:

1. Fosbury Flop:

   • Body: In the Fosbury Flop, the athlete’s body faces towards the bar. The back is the most important area in catching the bar and pushing the athlete over the bar.
   • Legs: The athlete’s back leg is the first to go over the bar, followed by the kicking leg. The legs function to provide additional push when crossing the bar and to maintain balance when jumping.

2. Scissors Jump Style:

   • Body: Athletes in the Scissors Jump tend to have a more vertical position than the Fosbury Flop, although they still lean slightly backwards. The body tries to pass over the bar in a position parallel or almost parallel to the bar.
   • Legs: In this style, the athlete uses one leg as the kicking leg and the other as the supporting leg. The kicking leg is the first to cross the bar, while the supporting leg follows under the kicking leg.

3. Western Roll Style:

   • Body: In the Western Roll, the athlete tries to get their shoulders as close to the bar as possible. The back is slightly straight with a passing movement towards the bar.
   • Legs: The feet are used to help the athlete bring their shoulders closer to the bar. The first leg to pass over the bar is the leg closer to the bar.

4. Eastern Cut-off Style:

   • Body: Athletes in the Eastern Cut-off tend to have a more upright stance compared to the Fosbury Flop, but they still try to get their shoulders closer to the bar. One of the arms will be bent and brought towards the bar.
   • Legs: The legs are used to provide additional impetus when jumping and to pass under the body after crossing the bar.

Each style has different techniques, and the use of the body and legs varies in each style. A good understanding of the role of the body and legs in high jump technique is very important for athletes to achieve maximum height and execute the technique efficiently. This also reflects how techniques have evolved in the sport of high jump over time to achieve better performance.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Let’s analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each style of high jump general:

1. Fosbury Flop Style:

Advantages:

• Higher Height: Fosbury The flop has been proven to be the most efficient technique for reaching the greatest height in the high jump. Athletes can cross the bar at a greater height than other techniques.

• Safety: Because the athlete is facing towards the bar, this technique has a greater level of safety tall. Less chance of falling on the bar or hitting the bar when jumping.

Disadvantages:

• Requires Difficult Techniques: The Fosbury Flop requires excellent body coordination and intense technique development. It may take longer to master than some other techniques.

2. Scissors Jump Style:

Advantages:

• Traditional Technique: This style is a high jump technique traditional ones that are easier to understand for many people. Older athletes or those who have been practicing this technique for a long time may feel comfortable with it.

Disadvantages:

• Limited Height: Scissors Jump has limitations in reaching great heights, especially when compared to the Fosbury Flop. This makes it less relevant in high level competitions.

• Injury Risk: This technique carries a higher risk of injury, mainly due to the more vertical position of the body when performing over the bar.

3. Western Roll Style:

Advantages:

• Creative Technique: Western Roll is a creative technique that relying on unique body movements. Some athletes may feel comfortable with this technique if they have certain physical characteristics that support it.

Disadvantages:

• Limited Height: Like Scissors Jump, Western Roll also has limitations in reaching great heights. This makes it less common in high level competitions.

• Level of Difficulty: This technique has a high level of difficulty in development and mastery, which can take a long time .

4. Eastern Cut-off Style:

Advantages:

• Creativity in Jumps: This style allows athletes to incorporate creative elements into their jumps by using one arm in a passing motion.

Disadvantages:

• Not Popular in High Level Competitions: This style is less common in high level competitions, and athletes who use it may have limitations in reaching great heights.

• Level of Difficulty: Like any technique, the Eastern Cut-off has a degree of difficulty in development and mastery, and is not suitable for all athletes.

Selection of style High jump depends on personal preference, the athlete’s physical characteristics, and the level of training received. Although the Fosbury Flop is the most efficient technique for reaching the highest heights, some athletes may still choose other techniques based on their comfort or preference.

World Records

Here are some famous world records in each -each high jump style:

1. Fosbury Flop:

   • Men’s High Jump World Record using the technique The Fosbury Flop is 2.45 meters. This record has been held by Javier Sotomayor from Cuba since 1993. Sotomayor is one of the greatest high jump athletes in history and made his name with the Fosbury Flop technique.

   • The Women’s High Jump World Record uses The Fosbury Flop technique is 2.09 meters. This record has been held by Stefka Kostadinova from Bulgaria since 1987. Kostadinova is one of the greatest female athletes in high jump history.

2. Style Scissors Jump:

   • The World Record for Men’s High Jump using the Scissors Jump technique is 2.42 meters. This record has been held by Igor Paklin from the Soviet Union since 1985.

   • The Women’s High Jump World Record using the Scissors Jump technique is 1.98 meters. This record has been held by Stefka Kostadinova (previously mentioned) and Heike Henkel of Germany since 1987.

3. Western Roll Style:

   • The world record for high jump using the Western Roll technique does not reach the highest level as other styles. This technique is less common in high level competition.

4. Eastern Cut-off Style:

   • The Eastern Cut-off style also does not have a striking world record in the high jump. This style is less common in high-level competition, and athletes who use this technique may have limitations in reaching great heights.

It is important to remember that the Fosbury Flop technique has dominated high-level high jumping for decades due to its efficiency in reaching greater heights. Therefore, many world records in high jump are currently set using this technique. Other techniques such as the Scissors Jump, Western Roll, and Eastern Cut-off are more commonly found in lower level competitions or at the beginner level.

Use in Competitions

In high jump competitions, many factors that influence the athlete’s choice of style. Some athletes may choose a style to suit their physical characteristics, whereas others may choose a style based on personal preference or the training they receive. The following are some considerations that influence an athlete’s choice of style:

1. Physical Characteristics:

   • Flexibility strong>: Some athletes may have a level of body flexibility that allows them to use the Fosbury Flop technique more effectively.
   • Strength: Body and leg strength can influence an athlete’s ability to generate a powerful thrust enough when jumping. Certain techniques may require more strength than others.
   • Body Measurements: Height, leg length, and other body proportions can influence style choices. Some techniques may be better suited to athletes of certain proportions.

2. Experience and Training:

   • Early Training: Athletes who start high jump training from a young age may be more likely to use techniques they master throughout their careers.
   • Coach Influence: Coaches High jump has a big influence in guiding athletes to choose certain techniques. They will assess the athlete’s strengths and weaknesses to decide on the most appropriate technique.

3. Previous Achievements:

   • Prior Success: Previous success in high jump competition with a particular technique may influence the choice of style. Athletes who have been successful with a style may tend to stick with that technique.

4. Technique Evolution:

   • Lagging Behind Technical Developments: Athletes who have used certain techniques for decades may find it difficult to adapt to more modern techniques such as the Fosbury Flop.

5. Convenience and Personal Preference:

   • Comfort: Some athletes may feel more comfortable or more confident with certain techniques , and that may influence their choices.
   • Creativity and Expression: Some athletes may choose techniques that allow them to express their creativity in their jumps.

6. Competition and Competition Standards:

   • Competition Rules: The rules of a particular competition may influence the choice of style . For example, in more informal competitions, athletes may have more freedom to use the techniques they wish, while in high-level competitions, the rules and standards of technique are more stringent.

The choice of high jump style can vary from athlete to athlete, and it is important to remember that there is no right or wrong technique. The most important thing is that athletes choose the technique that best suits them and has the potential to achieve good performance according to their abilities.

Differences and Advantages of Each High Jump Style

Each jump style height has unique differences and advantages. Let’s review the main differences and advantages of each style:

1. Fosbury Flop Style:

• Main Differences: The athlete’s body is facing towards the bar, with the back being the most important area in the jump.

• Advantages:

  • Higher Height: The Fosbury Flop has been a proven technique the most efficient way to reach the highest height in the high jump. Athletes can go over the bar at a greater height than other techniques.
  • Safety: Because the athlete is facing towards the bar, this technique has a higher level of safety. Chances of falling over the bar or hitting the bar while jumping are lower.
  • Domination in High Level Competitions: Most of the high level high jump athletes use the Fosbury Flop technique because of its efficiency in reaching high heights. high.

2. Scissors Jump Style:

• Main Difference: Athletes use one leg as the kicking leg and the other as the supporting leg, in a knife-like position when over the bar.

• Advantages:

  • Traditional Technique: This style is a technique The traditional high jump is easier to understand for many people. Athletes who are older or who have been practicing this technique for a long time may feel comfortable with it.
  • Use at Beginner Level: The Scissors Jump style is often used in beginner level or school sports as a technique basic high jump.

3. Western Roll Style:

• Main Difference: Athletes try to get their shoulders as close to the bar as possible. The back is slightly straight with a passing movement approaching the bar.

• Advantages:

  • Creative Techniques: Western Roll is a creative technique that relies on unique body movements. Some athletes may feel comfortable with this technique if they have certain physical characteristics that support it.
  • Potential for Achieving Good Height: Although not as popular as the Fosbury Flop, some athletes may still prefer the technique this and has the potential to reach good heights with proper development.

4. Eastern Cut-off Style:

• Main Difference: Athletes try to bring their shoulders closer to the bar by using one arm in a passing motion.

• Advantages:

  • Creativity in Jumps: This style allows athletes to combine creative elements in their jumps by using one arm in a passing motion.
  • Options for Athletes with Personal Preference: Some athletes may choose the Eastern Cut-off Style based on their personal preference or comfort , despite its lack of popularity in high-level competitions.

The choice of high jump style depends on personal preferences, physical characteristics, level of training and goals of the athlete. The most important thing is that athletes choose the technique that best suits them and has the potential to achieve good performance according to their abilities.

Conclusion on the Differences in High Jump Styles

In conclusion, the high jump is a branch of athletics that requires technical ability, strength, speed and good coordination from athletes to reach maximum height on the bar. There are several different high jump styles, each with unique differences and advantages:

1. Fosbury Flop: This technique faces the athlete’s body towards the bar with The back is the most important area. The Fosbury Flop has dominated high level competitions due to its efficiency in reaching great heights and better level of safety.

2. Scissors Jump Style: In this technique, The athlete uses one leg as the kicking leg and the other as the supporting leg in a knife-like position. This is a traditional high jump technique that is still used in beginner level competitions.

3. Western Roll Style: Athletes try to get their shoulders as quickly as possible to the bar with a movement unique body. Although less common, this technique allows to achieve good height with proper development.

4. Eastern Cut-off Style: In this technique, the athlete tries bring their shoulders closer to the bar using one arm in a passing motion. This allows athletes to incorporate creative elements in their jumps.

The choice of high jump style depends on the athlete’s physical characteristics, personal preferences, level of training and goals. The most important thing is that athletes choose the technique that best suits them and has the potential to achieve good performance according to their abilities. With the right technique and strong dedication, high jump athletes can achieve impressive results in this sport.

That’s the discussion about the Differences in High Jump Style. If there are any errors, especially in writing, please forgive. If you have any questions regarding the Differences in High Jump Style, you can write them in the comments column provided.