Improving Performance by Adopting the Optimal Flight Position in Ski Jumping

Abstract

The present research aimed at the specific actions of the third phase of ski jumping after the takeoff, respectively the flight distance covered by the subjects until they reached the V-style posture, as well as the ski-opening angle. The subjects of the study were four athletes, members of the national junior ski jumping team. The research was carried out on the HS 100 m hill in Râșnov. The initial testing consisted of three complete jumps. Subsequently, for a period of 30 days, specific training methods consisting of imitative exercises were implemented, focusing on the third phase of the ski jump. In the final testing, the themes were the widespread of the lower limbs above R2, as well as the maintenance of the skis spread in the plane that includes the body in order to benefit from the maximum lift. The results of the research highlighted the close connection between ballistics and aerodynamics, the achievement of the flight speed, as well as the increase of the lifting surface due to the identification of the optimum angle of ski spread. An increase in length performance was observed for all four subjects.