Four types of flop technique are used in the high jump: “power flop A,” “power flop B,” “speed-power flop,” and “speed flop” (Watanabe, 2007). Most Japanese jumpers use the speed flop (Sakamoto, 1994), and this type of flop is the theme of this study.
There are many variations of the speed flop, even among world-class jumpers (Killing, 1989, 1994). Therefore, researchers suggest that there is not just one universal technique for the high jump; instead, there are different individual styles that are optimal for each jumper (Viitasalo et al., 1982; Killing, 1995b).
However, coaches cannot give technical training effectively without ideal models (Tidow, 1981). Thus, the purpose of this study was to propose ideal models for the technical training of speed floppers by classifying the speed flop into subcategories of technique.
Sixteen world-class high jumpers using the speed flop were selected as the subjects of this study. The technical form of the subjects was then classified based on qualitative analysis of their movement structure.
The results were as follows:
1) There were two types of take-off among the subjects.
2) The approach-run of subjects could also be classified into two types.
3) Correlations existed between the type of take-off and the type of approach-run.
Based on these results, the speed flop can be classified into two types, and these can be proposed as ideal models for technical training of speed floppers.
With structured instructional management of these two types of speed flop, coaches can offer more effective technical training to individual athletes. Moreover, since differences in ideal models affect the goal setting of fitness training and the type or form of training that needs to be done (Tancic, 1985b), it is concluded that classification of technique is essential for successful training in the high jump.