Jumping
Jumping is a fundamental movement skill underlying many sports, from athletics jumps to diving, to different elements of the artistic gymnastics. It is one of the most complex fundamental movements, as it provides the contrast with the gravity force and it has different directions and purposes: upwards, as in the pole vault, downwards, as when going from a higher to a lower level, lengthwise, as when jumping natural obstacles. The jump is a compound motor action, which consists of several technical steps.
- Run-up: the run-up is optional, as a jump can be performed even when stationary. Run-up length is subjective and aimed at achieving the optimal speed.
- Takeoff: the takeoff is a single or simultaneous thrust of the lower limbs. The thrust starts from the foot and it is transmitted through the leg up to the shoulders and arms.
- Flight: the flight is the aerial phase, that requires a great sense of balance and control, as well as the perception of space and time, in which the coordination of lower and the upper limbs is extremely important.
- Landing: the landing must be functional to the next movement. If after the jump it is necessary to move quickly, the landing should be perfectly balanced. It can also be aimed at softening the fall; therefore it is necessary to learn how to fall.
