Three Data Points That Truly Shape High Jump Performance

In the high jump, performance is not decided not only at take-off.

It is built step by step, through rhythm, velocity management, and control of the curve. While the final action over the bar is the most visible part of the jump, what happens in the last meters of the run-up often determines whether the jump will be successful or not.

In this article, we explore three key data points that allow coaches to better understand technical quality in the high jump and to make more informed coaching decisions. These parameters are not isolated numbers, but connected elements that describe how the athlete arrives at take-off.

1. Flight Time in the Last Three Steps

One of the most informative parameters in the high jump approach is the flight time of the final three steps.

By analysing flight time, coaches can gain valuable insight into:

• the rhythm of the approach

• how the athlete prepares for take-off

• the interaction...