The Role of Body Movement in Phase I of Ski Jump in Achieving Performance

Abstract

The ski jumping specific complexity is under the influence of factors that can determine, in various positive or negative ways, the athletes’ motor skills, such as the action of external or internal forces and mental peculiarities. Most specialists consider the second phase of the jump (take-off) as the most important one. Recent studies show the special importance of the first phase (start and inrun) in obtaining the accuracy of the other jump phases and, therefore, in sports performance. It is known that physical development induces changes in proprioception as well as in other motor abilities. Permanent control of the body mass index, with a direct influence on the correct distribution of the centre of mass in the first phase, is essential for the other three phases of the jump. Consequently, monitoring and identification of possible negative influences induced by physical development on technique are of particular importance. The research subjects were six athletes aged 13-14. The research activity took place during June-September 2022, on the HS 71m Râșnov hill. The results highlight the importance of body movement in phase I of the jump, related to the subjects’ individual characteristics, aiming for a correct distribution of CoM on the track.