Penultimate step lowers the center of mass
Like long jump, penultimate is longer and lower. Body lowers 4-6 inches; the takeoff drives back up. The vertical force comes from this load-and-launch.
High jump takeoff is the moment the approach becomes a jump. Penultimate step lowers the center of mass; takeoff foot plants ahead of the body; arms and free leg drive up. Here's the breakdown.
Like long jump, penultimate is longer and lower. Body lowers 4-6 inches; the takeoff drives back up. The vertical force comes from this load-and-launch.
Takeoff foot plants 1-2 feet ahead of the center of mass, slightly turned away from the bar. That plant initiates the rotation that makes the back-arch clearance possible.
Free leg punches up, knee high. Both arms drive up. The combined upward force, plus the lean from the curve, generates vertical takeoff velocity.
AI extracts the takeoff frame and measures penultimate height, foot plant angle, free-leg drive, and arm position. Each gets its own coaching note.
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