REPORT
8:3:91-110, 1993
The XVllth Congress ofthe
European Athletics Coaches
Association -
The Jumping Events: Part 2
by Jürgen Schiffer
and Helmar Hommel
This is the concluding part ofthe report on
The European Athlelics Coaches Association
Congress on the Jumping Events held in
Berlin. Germany from 15 to 17 January 1993.
The firsi part of this report is contained in
NSA Volume 8 issue 2.
PQ]'^^ bylAAF
2.5 Wolfgang Killing (GER): The approach
hehaviour of elile high junipers.
Killing began his presentation by remind-
ing the audience of lhe basic functions of the
take-off in the High Jump:
• adjustment of optimal horizontal velocity
(slowing down);
• correction ofthe direclion of movemeni:
• development of optimal, almost maximal,
vertical velocity:
• favourable positioning of the body and
individual parts of the body:
• introduction of the necessary rotations-
According to Killing, there are three ele-
ments of the take-off:
• active element (the actual jump).
• passive elemenl (levering, bracing, rising
from the backward or inward lean).
• swinging element (moving the free leg and
arms forward and upward).
Allhough the approach run affects all
these elements, it is particularly imporlant for
lhe passive lake-off element. The main func-
lion of the approach is to develop optimal
horizonial velocity and a favourable body
posture.
In the second part of his presentation.
Killing presented the results of an empirical
91
 XVII ELLV-KONQRESS / XVll EACA CONGRESS / XVII FEEA CONGRES
E EUHOPAISCHEP LBCHTATHLHIK 1 r• •
EUROPEAN ATHLETICS COACME,'^ •••
FED&tATlON OEUHOfT DES ENTTIAINF , •
Dl« Sprung« - Th« Jumps - L*s Saut«
study of the High Jump approach. This study
considered the following hypotheses:
1 An approach can only be ultimatelv suc-
cessful if ils starting section is as consislent as
possible.
2 As athletes gel better, their approaches
become more consistent.
To test these hypotheses, all high jumpers
laking part in three selected competitions
between 1990 and 1992 were filmed. At these
competitions the runway was covered with a
dot screen (one dot every 30 cm), so ihat
every point on the ground could be mea-
sured. Thc feel of the approaching jumpers
were filmed. Every footprint was related to
the respective dot on the ground and then
transferred to a diagram. The following data
was determined;
• stride length:
• angular changes from step to step:
• coordination when running around the
check marks;
• dislance and angle of the take-off fool to
the bar.
Killing presented the data ofthe following
high jumpers: Troy Kemp ( B A H ) . Heike
Henkel ( G E R ) . Ralph Sonn ( G E R ) . Artur
Partyka (POL), Dalton Grant ( G B R ) and
Dietmar Mögenburg (GER).
Conlrary to the hypotheses mentioned
above, there were considerable differences in
the approach behaviour of these Jumpers,
The flop approach is characierized by very
divergent patterns, and no single paitern can
be called optimal. Allhough the approaches
of some elite jumpers share cerlain move-
ment patterns, there are considerable varia-
92
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tions in individual approaches with regard to
stride length, curve running and. presumably,
speed as well. In other words, the approaches
of the jumpers examined were not very con-
sistent.
On the basis of these results Killing
arrived at the following conclusions for prac-
tical application:
• Unlike young or relatively inexperienced
jumpers, elile high jumpers can deliber-
ately deviate from their s t a n d a r d
approach pattern when jumping.
• In young or ine.xperienced high jumpers
deviations from a cerlain paiiern can lead
to failure. T h e r e f o r e , these j u m p e r s
should use a short approach which does
not make too many demands on their
technical abilitv.
2.6 Gerhard Jcitner (GER): Training
method findings and e.xperiences in lhe
preparalion of elite and junior jumpers for
cinnpetition peaks.
Jeitner's preseniation was on the subject
of training methodology, in particular, his
experience of preparing elile and junior
jumpers for competitive peaks. He did this
wilh an independent training phase, the so-
called "Immediate Coinpetition Preparation"
(ICP) phase.
The results presenied were derived from
conceptional and analytical work done dur-
ing the iraining of elite jumpers from the for-
mer German Democratic Republic belween
1964 and 1989. Concrete examples of the
conceptional work of these years and results
of the analysis of individual ICP phases were
presenied.
 Jeitner's conclusions make possible an
individual application of the meihodical prin-
ciples ofa larget-oriented competition prepa-
ralion using macrocvcles.
The mosl imporlant poinis were:
1) The level of "sharpness' (fiiness for com-
petition) developed during a preparation
period cannot be mainiained for verv long.
When this sharpness begins to decline, a new-
buildup of training is necessary. For this a
complele macrocycle is needed.
2) Compeiition peaks can be prepared in
the competition period using either single or
double periodization. These preparalion
phases, however, are not oriented to a partic-
ular competition. Athletic form is stable for a
period of aboul 14 weeks. For this reason, it
is necessary to add a furiher microcycle with
the purpose of preparing for a particular
compeiition or to use Iriple periodizalion in
the annual buildup.
3) The ICP macrocycle should have corre-
sponding phases for the new buildup of ath-
letic form. e.g. one phase each for:
• aciive recovery;
• basic and special performance buildup;
• "fine tuning' of performance.
The amount of iraining load in the indi-
vidual ICP phases is d e p e n d e n i on iheir
length as well as on the loads realized in the
previous cycles of the training year.
T h e t r a i n i n g load in the "fine tuning"
p h a s e should be carefully r e g u l a t e d .
Reliability and temporal exactness are the
objectives, in other words a peak perfor-
mance on the day of the most imporlant com-
petition.
Training regulalion requires an objective
control of the development of general and
compelilion form. To this end. performance
control values should be collected in training.
It is also importanl for alhletes to develop
good lechnique which Ihey can realize under
the stress of compelilion.
2.7 Elio Locatelli (ITA): Sprinting speed at
a basis of ihe men s hmg jump
According to Localelli, improvement of
long jump performance is mainly correlated
to an increase in approach speed. Studies
have shown thai the majority of long jumpers
reach about 93 to 9 5 % of their maximal
speed in the approach. It is also imponant
that the jumper performs an explosive take-
off al a high speed. For this reason, the coach
should not only control the level of speed bui
also the level of the explosive-reactive com-
ponent. With Italian long jumpers, this con-
trol is done using the BOSCO test (see NSA
2 (1987), 2. p. 23),
Using the example of long j u m p e r
Giovanni Evangelisti ( I T A ) , whom he
coached between 1982 and 1986. Localelli
described the speed iraining of the Italian
long jumpers. This can be divided Into six
main areas:
1) Training for the improvement of aerobic
endurance (October to November. 6 weeks)
in the form of circuit training, cross-country
training and interval training.
2) Training for the improvement of the
anaerobic-alaclic capacily (November to the
middle of December. 6 weeks) in the form of
repetition runs over 60 to 80 metres at an
inlensity of 90 to 93% of maximum effori.
3) Training for the improvemenl of anaero-
bic-alactic speed strengih {January, 4 weeks)
in the form of repetition or series sprints over
30 lo 80 meircs (intensity: 95 to 97%).
4) Training for the improvement of the
anaerobic-lactic capacily (April to May, 6
weeks) in the form of speed-endurance-ori-
enled repetition runs over 100-300 metres
(inlensity; 80 to 9ü7o).
5) Training for the improvement of the
anaerobic-lactic speed strength (April lo
May. 6 weeks) in the form of speed-
endurance-oriented repetition runs over 100 -
300 metres (intensity: 80 to 90%).
93
 6) Training for lhe development of maximal
speed (July. 4 weeks) in the form of flying
sprints, ins-and-ouis. downhill sprints, har-
ness runs as well as approach and take-off
exercises.
2.8 Ted King (GBR): Beyond 18 tnelres
in the Triple Jump.
Ted King's presentation mainly consid-
ered the faclors he considered essenlial for
an 18 metres-plus triple jump.
King used lhe examples of the elite triple
j u m p e r s Willie Banks ( U S A ) and Mike
Conley (USA) both of whom have already
jumped over 18 meires (18.20m and 18.17m.
respectively), but unfortunately, with exces-
sive wind assistance. Importanl characteris-
tics of these iriple jumpers can be seen in
Table 1:
This comparison shows that similar jump-
ing disiances appear to be possible in spite of
anthropometric and technical differences.
King referred to the hop. step, jump ratio
formula suggested by Ozolin:
Hop = long jump distance minus 1 metre.
Step = long jump distance minus 3 metres.
Jump = longjump distance minus 2 metres.
As Conley has long jumped over 8 metres.
this formula should be translaled for him as
follows:
• Hop: 7 metres or more:
• Step: 5 metres;
• Jump: 6 meires or more.
Table 1: Cumparison of Mike Conley and Willie Banks
Miite Conley
Height 1.85m
Speed •fast'
Take-oH &
technique low & flat
Therefore sudden/
snatched movements
(emphasis on fool speed)
94
The ratio should Iherefore be: 39:28:33. In
reality, however, lhe ratios of the best jumps
by Conley and Banks are as follows:
• Conley - 34:29:37.
• Banks-31:30:39.
Notably, both alhletes have achieved a
jump phase that is longer than in the ratio.
No other triple jumper has a jump phase that
is as long, although Kenny Harrison (USA)
might threaten on a good day.
According to King, an 18 metres-plus
iriple jump is neither guaranteed by theoreti-
cally optimal anthropometric characteristics
nor by a theoretically optimal hop. step and
jump ratio. Instead, he believes that efficien-
cy is the key. This is expressed in:
• Good flexibility in the hips, shoulders and
trunk. This is critical to minimise stress in
these areas which often causes rotations
and counter rotations leading to imbal-
ance in the flight, bad landings and take-
offs.
• Good body posture and balance. This
must be maintained if lhe vital rhythm of
the movements and foot contacts along a
straight line are to be developed.
• High synergic strength. Without this, bal-
ance cannot be maintained and efficiency
would be lost.
In concluding. King emphasized the great
significance of the athlete's mental attitude
and personality. He remarked critically that,
because of the increasing commercialisation
Willie Banks
1.91m
'Slow'
high & bouncy
Therefore long/
sweeping
movements
of the sport, athletes were no longer willing
to risk all if poorer performances could earn
them money or allow ihcm to qualify for
Championships. In King's own words: "We
have bred a generalion of athletes who are
physically superior, technically superior and
satisfied with hieh class mediocrity."'
2.9 Anatoly Golubtsov (UKR):
Development ofthe women's Triple Jump.
Golubtsov is Ukraine's National Coach
for Long and Triple Jump. Among the group
he trains is Inessa Kravels who has long
jumped 7.37m and iriple jumped 14.41m.
According to Golubtsov, the development
of a training methodology for the women's
Triple Jump has, in general, followed the pat-
tern of the men's event, However, progress in
performance results has been much fasler.
Golubtsov pointed oul Ihat. when working
with women, their physical differences from
men should be laken inlo consideraiion in
order lo preveni overload injuries. Besides
those that are purely anthropometric. the
most importanl difference is the menstrual
cycle. Il is known that performance ability, as
well as the ability to cope with training, are
affecied by menstruation. Bv laking account
of the monthly cycles when planning Iraining
programmes and fitting the type of training
to the predisposition of the body to carry it
out, fairly high t r a i n i n g effects can be
achieved.
When training women long and iriple
jumpers the following should be emphasised:
• Strengthening of the stomach, back and
leg muscles;
• Maintenance of flexibility, a quality more
marked in women:
• Variation of the types of iraining used
depending on the menstrual cycle;
• A training load about 2-3% less intense
than il is for men:
• A reduclion in Iraining for several months
after the birth of a child. Training should
then resume in the form of cross country
running and exercises for loosening up the
stomach and fool muscles.
In the Triple Jump, two faclors are essen-
tial: speed and reactivity. Reactivity is the
jumper's ability to execute a fast take off
after each coniact with the ground. In order
to put great power into this "thrust off, the
triple jumper must exert effort in a coordinat-
ed way. at the right time, and in the right
direclion.
To improve the reactive action of this
thrust off. the streich rellex is of great impor-
tance. Thc stretch reflex is used in the amor-
tisation phases of the hop and step and helps
the jumper achieve a more powerful effort.
The speed of the take-off leg when moving
forward and downward must exceed the
speed of the horizontal movement of the
jumper's centre of gravity, When this hap-
pens, the athlete avoids a loss of horizontal
velocity.
According to Golubtsov, the swing move-
ments of the arms and legs are also very
important. They reduce the effect of the
forces working against body movemeni.
Using the example of a 14.95m jump by
Kravets. Golubtsov gave an insight inlo the
course of velocity in the last strides of the
approach and the hop-step-jump ralio. This
jump was performed from a short approach.
The velocity during the penultimate five and
last five approach sirides was 8.94 and 9.46
m/sec. respectively (by way of comparison
Kravets" velocity in a long jump of 7.09m was
9.54 and 9.20 m/sec, respectively).
High speed during the last approach
strides enables the athlete to plant the sup-
port foot on the board powerfully but softly.
With a rapid swinging movement and ratio-
nal use of the arms balance and speed of
movement can be maintained throughoul the
jump.
Golubtsov gave an overview of the yearly
training planning of K r a v e t s . and then
described the preparation methods used by
his jumpers. He presented numerous exer-
cises for the improvement of an athlete's
general physical slate, strengih. speed and 95
 jumping ability. He emphasized that, in the
framework of slrength preparalion, relatively
little work is done wilh weights at maxima!
loads. Instead, inlensive sets of explosive
exercises are preferred. Furlhermore. highly
intensive jumping work is done in combina-
tion with slrength exercises since this has a
greater effect on approach speed.
Al lhe end of his presentation. Golubtsov
explained some lechnical aspects of the triple
jump:
• Movements during the last sirides of the
approach should be powerful and directed
forward. The hips should be pushed for-
wards and upwards fast;
• To increase running speed slightly prior lo
take-off. the final siride may be somewhat
shorter than previous ones. The penulti-
mate stride, allhough longer than the final
one. is also shorier than previous sirides.
This helps to mainiain a high centre of
graviiy in the first take-off phase, which
establishes a good posiiion for performing
the hop trajectory which is a long and gen-
tly sloping one;
• When taking off for the hop. the foot
should be planted practically flat-footed,
with the accent on the front of the foot;
• Some alhletes complete the final part of
lhe hop take-off with the take-off leg not
fullv straightened. This encourages a rapid
movement towards the hips and carries
them forward, which helps to increase
horizontal velocity;
• The outcome of the triple jump depends-
essentially on how effective and correct
the first take-off is.
In c o n c l u s i o n , G o l u b t s o v once again
emphasized the great importance of "running
into the hop". This is the basis of jumping dis-
tance since the less velocity lost on the board,
the better the final result.
96
2.6 Harlmut Dickwacli (GER) (in coopera-
tion with Erich Drechsler (GER) and Bettina
Peril (GER)): Details and results of diagnos-
tic methods used in training to enhance the
jumping ahility of Heike Drechsler
During 1992 Heike Drechsler (GER) took
part in 24 Long Jump competitions outdoors.
Jumping beyond 7 metres on 21 occasions.
eight of her jumps were over 7.20m. Her
jump of 7.73m in Sestriere on 21 July 1992,
with a wind assistance of 2.2 m/sec. was also
notable.
Her training and competition vear was
divided into nine phases. It was characterized
by a typical double periodization structure
and a remarkably long competition phase.
The goal of the following diagnosis was to
promote Drechsler's general and specific
jumping ability through:
• lhe determination of individually useful
and struclure-relaled exercise forms and
variants. In a c c o r d a n c e wilh Heike
Drechsler's training age. the iraining slim-
uli were extremely high and inlensive;
• The determination of medium term objec-
tives in line with anticipated development.
The following exercises were examined:
• long j u m p s (using short and medium
approach);
• horizontal jumping exercises with one foot
take-off (bounding with a three stride
rhythm, hops and alternate jumps with an
approach of up lo seven strides plus an
preliminary movement);
• series of hurdle jumps with two foot take-
offal heights from 79cm to 1.13m;
• depth-jumps from heights belween 0.45cm
and 1.05m:
• vertical jumps with single foot lake-off.
The diagnostic lests were carried out using
a dynamometric platform and a computer
programme package especially developed for
lhc long jump. These allow immediate evalu-
alion of ground reaction forces during the
take-off. The following parameters were
evaluated:
• take-off duralion;
• the amount of horizontal velocity changes
during the lake off;
• the amount of vertical velocity changes:
• the forces in vertical and horizontal direc-
lion;
In presenting the best results of the diag-
nosis Dickwach singled out for meniion a
jump of 6.SOm. which Drechsler achieved
from 13 approach steps during preparation
for the indoor season, and a three jumps
( a l t e r n a t e lake-off leg) mark of 13.85m
achieved from a seven sirides approach with
preliminary movemeni.
Dickwach made the following poinis
aboul lhe methodical organisation of the
training year as follows:
• inlensive. but not very time-consuming,
iraining sessions were carried out to
develop general and specific jumping abil-
itv. These used the usual sequence of
main Iraining componenis;
• in the third and fourlh phases of iraining.
a series of single foot take-off jumps wiih
an approach run are included while in lhe
eighlh and ninth phases there are a high
number of compeiition jumps;
• biomechanical performance diagnosis
accompanies the development of jumping
ability in medium-term inlervals. The
results of the diagnosis helped lo make
training organisation more effective:
• the limits of this invesligalion method
become obvious when analysing individ-
ual exercises or trying to optimise the
lechnique of individual exercises. This
analysis could be made more precise by
ctmibining il with video analysis.
Dickwach concluded by emphasizing that
the goal of the diagnosis was nol jusl to
achieve biomechanical evalualion. but also to
motivale the alhlete. As performance diagno-
sis makes possible a comparison of different
athletes in certain training phases, it can help
lo develop set standards for young athletes.
2.11 Adrian Lees (GBR): Generating vertical
velocity in ihe Long Jump
This presentation is based on a biome-
chanical analysis of long jumpers filmed at
the UK Championships in 1992.
Long jump disiance is largely a resull of the
velocity, heighl and angle of projection of the
centre of gravity (CG) al lake-off. The differ-
ence between the theorelical dislance based
on these three take-off parameters and the
aclual distance jumped is due to the effecis of
air resistance and the dislance losl in landing.
The aim of the approach run and the
actions made before the last touch down of
the lake-off leg is lo enable the athlete to
generale the best take-off parameters. The
hypolhesis thai lake-off velocity is closely
related to the approach speed and that the
height of lake-off is closely related to lhe ath-
lete's height and the lechnique used to lift the
body is not reliably confirmed in the case of
elile athletes. Coaching and research articles
have so far not explained why this relation-
ship is lacking.
This was the starling poinl of the biome-
chanical analysis conducted wilhin the frame-
work of lhe UK Elite Alhlete Programme.
Several kinematic parameters were recorded
for:
• the last approach stride (LS);
• louch down of the take-off foot (TD);
• the take-off (TO).
Most important findings
Il was confirmed thai there is little differ-
ence belween the iheoretical and aclual dis-
tances jumped, supporting the general notion
that performance in the long jump is deter-
mined by the three take-off parameters. 97
 As can be seen in Table 2, the intuitive
relationships appear nol to hold. Speeds at
touch down and lake-off are nol related for
either group. Similarly, the loss in horizontal
velocity is not related to the gain in vertical
velocity. The speed al touch down is not
relaled lo jump distance, neilher is the speed
at take-off. In fact, the only consislent rela-
tionship is that between the vertical velocity
and the distance jumped. This emphasizes
the imporlance of verlical velocity and the
need to understand how it is best generated.
The results indicate that over 60% of the
vertical velocity gained during the coniact
phase is achieved by the end of the amortisa-
tion phase as defined by maximum knee flex-
ion. In order to achieve this, at louchdown
the line joining the CG lo the heel of the
lake-off foot should be at an angle of aboul
26° from a line drawn vertically from the CG.
The fast approach velocity allows the CG to
pivot over the foot creating vertical velocity.
During thc amortisation phase it is a wide-
ly held belief that elastic energy is stored in
the leg. This energy can be released during
the lift phase, and will help to increase verti-
cal velocity. In addition, during the lift phase,
raising the arms, lorso and free leg help to
generale and maintain vertical velocity. By
far the most important of the three mecha-
nisms for generating vertical velocity is the
pivot of the CG over the base during the
amortisation phase.
If the take-off leg does not have the
strength lo resist overflexion during the
amortisation phases, then the benefil of gen-
eraling verlical velocitv during this phase is
lost. This may happen because alhletes are
insufficiently trained to resist flexion, or
because they are running loo fast. Under

Table 2: Data on the Long Jump from the UK National Champiün.ships

Men Women
(N=9) (N=6)

Distances (m)
Winning jump 7.85 6.TO
Group mean - actual 7.51 6.38
- theoretical 7.59 6.6.3

Touchdown parameters
Velocity (TD) (m/s) 10.39 9.18
Leg angle A(TD) (deg) zrM ^«4

Take-off parameters
Resultant velocity (TO) (m/s) 8.7S 8.06
Height of CG H (TO) (m) 1.28 1.23
Angle (deg) 21.4 21.5

Horizontal velocity - (Vh) loss (m/s)

TD-TO -1.44 -1.12
TD - MKF Amortisation ^.96 -0:68
MKF • TO Lift -0.48 -0.24

Vertical velocity- (Vh) gain (m/s)

TD-TO 324 -2.85
TD - MKF Amortisation 1.97 [61 %] 1.85 [65%]
MKF - TO Lift 1 27 [39 %] 1.00 [35%]
TD = touch down: TO ^ take-off: MKF - maximum knee flexion
98
these circumstances athletes would be better
advised lo reduce approach speed so thai
there is a better match between approach
speed and slrenglh.
If the leg is actively moving backwards
(pawing the ground) at touchdown, it will help
to mainiain horizontal velocity. This move-
ment should come from the hips ralher than
the knee as a pawing action initialed al the
knee implies knee flexion, and this is one thing
that needs to be avoided. If Ihe take-off leg is
too far in front of the body at louchdown. then
there will be a blocking action leading to too
great a loss of horizontal velocity. If the leg is
placed loo close to the body, the full benefits
of pivoting over the base are lost.
Lees summed up thc implications of his
research for the work of coaches and alhletes
as follows:
!) Technique
• The lake-off leg musl be placed far enough
forward to act as a successful pivot:
• The take-off leg must not be overextend-
ed, otherwise blocking will occur, and loo
much horizontal velocity will be lost;
• The take-off leg must be moving back-
wards to reduce any blocking effect;
• The lift of the arms, torso and free leg are
important during the lift phase to main-
tain and possibly increase vertical velocity.
2) Slrenglh
• The take-off leg must be strong enough to
resist too much flexion. Too much flexion
of the lake-off leg leads lo too low a verti-
cal velocity at the end of the amortisation
phase. The pivol of the CG over the fool
at this time is the main means of verlical
velocity.
3) Optimization
• Ideally, athletes' speed should be maiched
lo their s t r e n g t h . A t h l e t e s often are
encouraged lo run too fast which does not
lead to Improved performance despite the
intuitive link between approach speed and
dislance j u m p e d . Slrength should be
developed before the benefits of higher
speed are seen,
2,12 Helmar Hommel (GER):
Report on the IAAF Biomechanies Project
Hommel gave an overview of the lAAF's
Biomechanies Project which began in 1986
with the first World Junior Championships in
Athletics in Athens, included the 1987 World
Championships in Athletics in Rome and the
1988 Olympic Games in Seoul and was
rounded off by the 'Technique in Alhlelics"
conference in Cologne 1990. He also covered
the work done at the World Championships
in Tokyo in 1991. Sadly, neither the analysis
nor the video from Tokyo were ready to be
presenied at the congress.
Although a further project proposed for
the World Championships in Athletics in
1993 was turned down by the I A A F .
Hommel reported that the German Athletics
Federaiion (DLV) would be offering an
international video service as well as 'fast
information' for coaches and athletes. He
said thai these services had been used by
coaches frequently during the three year pro-
ject. This was welcomed by the audience.
The coaches p r e s e n t at the congress
expressed their opinion that the
Biomechanies Project, with iniegrated fast
informalion and video service, should be con-
tinued by the IAAF.
2.13 Bernd Herbeck (GER):
Training as a protective measure
According lo Herbeck specific 'preven-
tive' measures correctly applied during train-
ing sessions can help to prevent injuries and
make optimal performances possible. These
measures should not be regarded as isolated
or superfluous.
Hcrbeck explained that what he called lhc
•equilibrium of flow" was an important aspect 99
 of the human organism. It describes how the
processes within lhe organism and ils various
aciivities affect one another. Because the
equilibrium of flow takes the form of a
"closed loop", a term taken from kybernetics
and often used by movement theorists, il can
be influenced by adequate stimuli from phys-
iotherapy and iraining.
Herbeck reduced the human organism, its
componenis and functional parts down lo
whal he described as lhe 'arlhron" and showed
the relationship belween the basic biomotor
abilities. He explained how responses to cer-
tain stimuli from differeni tissues and func-
tional parts of the body could be measured
and staled that measurement was the basis of
training control and preventive measures.
Using examples, Herbeck showed how a
lack of preventive measures over several train-
ing and competition periods can lead to defi-
ciencies in basic biomotor abilities and hinder
the achievemeni of maximum performances.
According to Herbeck, the goal is for the
doctor, coach and physiotherapist lo cooper-
ate and ensure preventive measures are inte-
grated into training programmes. These mea-
sures should be geared to the needs of each
individual athlele and should take account of
performance-determining basic abilities.
Using examples of ways to promoie easier
m o v e m e n t , strength and c o o r d i n a i i o n .
H e r b e c k d e m o n s t r a t e d a process which
should guarantee that all biomotor abilities
oplimally interact lo improve performance.
Preventive training measures can be a part of
preparatory iraining or training aimed at
overcoming specific deficiencies. It can lead
to freedom from injuries and the avoidance
of event-specific deficiencies such as poor
flexibility in dislance runners.
2.14 Herbert Czingon (GER):
Framework Training Plans in the
German Alhlelics Federation
Czingon first outlined the concept of the
F r a m e w o r k T r a i n i n g Plans (FTPsJ.
100 According to Czingon:
• FTPs contain r e c o m m e n d e d training
activities of a general nalure;
• FFPs contain goal-oriented training meth-
ods;
• FTP load volumes are adequate to sup-
port the individual phases of the long-
lerm Iraining process:
• FTPs should help coaches develop long-
lerm individual training plans:
• FTPs should help coaches choose the cor-
rect shorl lerm sleps without losing sight
of long term performance and load
buildup goals;
• FTPs offer realistic objectives;
• FTPs help coaches lo avoid mistakes
caused by overiraining, undertraining. the
use oftraining ideas that are unnecessarily
complex and training methods which lead
nowhere.
The ultimale objeclives of the FTPs are to
give all coaches involved with talented ath-
letes a programme of tried and tested general
training principles and thereby help as many
young alhletes as possible to achieve the
highest standards.
FTPs are important starting points for
qualificalion in athlelics coaching and serve
as instruments for the continued develop-
ment of athletics. Table 3 shows the slate of
development and the structure of the FTPs.
Czingon drew attention to the fact thai the
FTPs are embedded in the social sysiem as
well as being a reflection of social structures.
The concept of the FTPs was developed in
the former German Democratic Republic.
However, the social circumstances of the for-
mer GDR were completely differeni from
those in the Federal Republic of Germany.
The F R G ' s sport system has a marked
structural division wilh subsystems showing a
high degree of independence. Sport competes
with all other socio-cultural activities and is
always fighting to maintain its position. In
such a system FTPs cannot be used as an
authoritarian lool nor will they become effec-
live unlil the FTP concept has secured a high
degree of acceptance.
 Therefore, the FTPs are an important
indicator of the competency of a federation
such as the DLV. its subsystems (federal
stales and clubs) and its pariners (for exam-
ple, teachers al universities and schools).
Czingon also made the following points;
The developmetu of FTPs
• FTPs have been d e v e l o p e d by DLV
coaches in cooperation with scientists.
The propagatiim and itnplemenlalion of FTPs
• FTPs form the basis of the education of
coaches and physical exercise teachers:
• FFPs will form the basis of lhe counselling
of squad athletes and coaches of youth
squads in the federal slates and the DLV.
Table 3: Stale of development and structure ofthe Framework Training Plans
Stale of development ofthe
Frameworl( Training Plans
Basic training (10 -12 years)
One volume: revision
planned for 1993/94 (3rd ed.)
Buildup training (15 - 9 years)
Six volumes: revision planned
for 1995/96 (3rd ed.)
• Basic principles
• Spnnts
• Running events
• Jumping events
• Throwing events
• Combined events
The main tasks ofthe FTPs
m FTPs have the long lerm aim of helping
individuals achieve their best perfor-
mances as maiure athletes;
• FTPs build a bridge between iraining
practice and science;
• F I P s help the pariners and institutions
involved in this lype of work by develop-
ing a common jargon to aid coordination
and synchronisation.
The target groups of lhe FTPs
m FTP for basic training: every 'exercise
leader" or alhlelics club coach;
• FFP for buildup iraining: lhe club and fed-
eration coaches of approximately 2,500
athletes in the 20 federal states and in the
differeni DLV squads.
Structure of the contents of
Framework Training Plans
• Aptitude characteristics
(anthropometric. physiological.
medical, psychological)
• Performance and training
goals for individual
phases and training years
• Data on performance
structure for differeni levels
of performance
• Technique models
• Training models for the development
of technique and conditioning
{principle tasks, solutions,
corrective measures)
• Methods of increasing training load in
the framework of the multi-year
buildup
• Meihods of structuring the load in the
framework ofthe annual buildup
• Materials for planning and evaluation
101
 Problems and prospects
• Conditions in many clubs make the imple-
mentation of the FTPs' training concepi
difficull.
• At the momcni it is not possible lo revise
training c o n c e p t s systematically by
analysing feedback about actual iraining;
• The use of video to help visualise tech-
nique models and iraining methods is still
not widespread;
• There is not enough staff to further devel-
op and implement the FTPs.
Czingon concluded his presentation by re-
emphasising that a concepi such as that of the
FTPs musl be embedded into the general
social system in order to be successful.
2.15 Hartmut Dickwach (GER):
Performance development
in the jtmtping evenis
A revised version of this presentation
appeared in Volume 8 issue 1 of NSA,
2.16 Frank Dick (GBR):
The ncw Olympiad and ihe coach
Dick stated that today's coaches must be
able to lell the difference between lhe fixed
and the flexible and to direct their thoughts
and endeavours accordingly. He said that in
the nexl four years p a r t i c u l a r l y , high
demands will be made of European coaches.
This is mainly for two reasons;
1) The competition calendar is becoming
increasingly crowded, and there are now
indoor and ouldoor competitions almost all
year round.
2) The redefining of the 'amateur" status of
athletics means manv athletes are now pro-
fessional in all but name.
Dick said that the congested competition
programme has an influence on the organisa-
102 lion of the iraining year. The 1960s and early
1970s were characterized by ihe following
iraining structure: eight months of autumn,
winier and spring iraining followed by a
three month summer athletics season. In lhe
middle of the 1970s, this single periodisation
was replaced by double periodisation; three
months of autumn/winter preparation plus
two monlhs of indoor compelilion followed
by three months of winter/spring preparation
plus a three month summer athletics season.
According to Dick, in the 199(ls the trend
seems to be five months of autumn/winter
preparation plus six months of competition.
Such a training structure is typical of an era
where the sport seems to be commercially
instead of athlele driven. The focus of the
year for elite alhletes has ceased to be major
championships and has shifted to the making
of money plus, if convenient or if the athlete
is slill fil, achievemeni in selected major
championships.
Problems of priorilies can occur since ath-
letes can nol only pick and choose their
'money meetings' but also when to represent
their couniry. Today, the choice is often
money.
Dick predicted that these structural
changes lo the Iraining year will ctmlinue.
and the time will come when there is a year
round competition programme.
He said thai alreadv it is not just the coach
who arranges lhe iraining year on the basis of
certain iraining principles. The manager or
agent also plays an increasing role.
Therefore, a situation exists where mulliple
objectives - sometimes conflicting - are buill
into a programme. These changes can be
managed by the following measures:
1) Alhletes (managers where relevant) and
coaches musl agree on objeclives and what
has lo be done lo meel them.
2) Contracts between athleles and federa-
tions may have to be inlroduced to ensure
that federation and athlele objectives and
priorities are compatible.
3) Training practice musi be reviewed in
terms of meso/microcycle design. Coaches
must consider working with:
• shorter duralion mesocycles (ihree lo six
weeks);
• multiple objectives within these cycles;
• a shift away from large blocks of work to
the pursuit of specific iraining ohjectives;
• alternating "consolidation' priority years
with performance acceleration' priority
years:
• training Ihrough competitions.
4) Efforts should be made to propose a
rationalisation of the cycle of major champi-
onships to those at the highest level.
Dick pointed oul that allhough lop level
alhletes have developed from being part-time
to being full-time 'professionals' in recent
years, coaches have nol completed a similar
p r o c e s s . Mosl ' p r o f e s s i o n a l ' c o a c h e s in
Europe are either employed by the National
Federations, and, therefore not actually earn-
ing their living jusl from coaching alhletes, or
are partly manager/agent, partly coach, or are
self-employed and allhough receiving pay-
ment for coaching services have a source of
income elsewhere. No one is actually a full-
time coach.
Dick warned of the danger of a coach
becoming a manager and vice versa. These
roles must he separated because of the poten-
tial for conflicts of interest.
Dick said that contracts, if inlroduced,
should be drawn up between the athlele and
the coach but not between the agent and
coach. Such contracts must reflect the fact
that athletes will not be earning all the time.
This will proieci lhe coach but should also
protect the athlete in terms of ensuring an
agreed basis of renumerating the coach. In
order to ensure optimal performance devel-
o p m e n t , these c o n t r a c t s must make
a l l o w a n c e for an increasing n u m b e r of
national objectives as well as an overall
increase in thc number of comeptition oppor-
tunities.
Dick concluded his leclure by proposing a
code of conduct for coaches to proieci ath-
lele, coach, the coaching profession and the
sport.
2.13 Panel Discu.ssion -Frank Dick (GBK).
Christian Schenk (GER) and Klaus Schlottke
(GER):
Jump preparalion for lhe combined events
Dick introduced the discussion by point-
ing out thai usually. 3 1 % of the points
a c h i e \ e d in the decathlon are from the
sprinis, 32% from the jumping events, about
27% from the throws, and last but not least,
aboul 10% from the 1500 meires.
Chrisiian Schenk said thai he slarled his
athlelics career as a ptitential s p r i n t e r .
However, his talent for the jumps soon
became obvious, and from then on he began
training for the combined events. In his early
years, general athletic deveiopmeni played a
dominating role in his training. The goal was
lo create a broad and solid base of adaption
lo special loads bolh in the area of strength
and speed strengih. Because of his taleni for
the jumps, il was here that he achieved his
best results initially. However, in the course of
the following years his Ihrowing performances
gradually improved, and evenlually they were
to play a dominant role alongside the jumps.
According lo Schenk, the combination of gen-
eral athletic educalion and slrength training is
of particular significance.
Dick asked Schenk whelher he ihoughi
his preparalion for the jumps had led to
improvements in the other events
Schenk replied that. "One of our basic
assumptions is that there is hardly any train-
ing measure that can do d a m a g e in the
decathlon."
When Schenk moved from Rostock to
Mainz, i.e. from the East German to the West
German system. Schenk gave up whal had
been sircnglh-endurance-oriented jump train-
ing and came instead to regard jumping as a
linking element. So. for example, he per-
formed numerous jumps immedialely afler 103
 Sprint training in an effort to combine sprint
and jump training. With strength training he
proceeded in a simitar way. i.e.. immediately
after training in the strengih room he per-
formed depth-jumps, jumps from a half squat
position or ankle flip drills.
With regard to Schenk's notable use of
the slraddle lechnique in the High Jump, it
emerged that initially he only wanted to test
this technique because of back pain but
because he was very successful wiih il from
the starl he did nol want lo return to the flop.
Schlottke described thc following basic
conditioning training for a young jumper or a
jump-orienled young decathlete:
In the former G D R there was a clear sys-
tem for developing both horizonial and verti-
cal jumpers. Unlil the age of If) general train-
ing in horizontal and verlical jumping, mainly
in the area of lechnique, was carried out. This
was a phase of practice since bolh horizontal
and vertical jumps were laughi.
Only at 16 did specialisation take place.
Athletes were assigned either to the vertical
or the horizontal jumps, and the emphasis of
training shified to the requirements of the
respective event. In this phase, strength
endurance was also irained systematically.
Athleles performed 10 repeiitions of certain
jumps aimed at preparing the ligameni and
suppori sysiem for future high toads. After
this, there came a phase of rather intensive
strength iraining. Here. lhe athlete was pre-
pared for high slrength efforls.
Schenk emphasized that the slrenglh
training phase was the mosl important one
because this was the peak phase as far as con-
tent, volume and intensity were concerned.
The slrenglh iraining phase was followed by
the speed-strength-iraining phase. In this
phase, horizontal and verlical jumps were
performed al approximately 90% of maximal
ability. Schlottke added that he did not see
much value in what are known as "easy
jumps'. Athletes should work mostly in the
area of 9 0 % or more of maximal perfor-
mance ability.
The speed-strenglh-training phase was fol-
104 lowed by a phase of highly specific iraining.
i.e. all evenis were performed in combina-
tion, and in the jumps the emphasis was
placed on the compeiition events. This was
the basic sysiem.
However, for each athlete special systems
were possible. With Christian Schenk, for
example, there was a differeni emphasis for
each year. In 1988. when he won the Olympic
Decathlon gold medal, he achieved the high-
est volumes, intensities and special loads in
iraining. According to Schlottke. it is essen-
lial to have a four year plan and to realize
this plan as far as possible. However, devia-
tions must be accepled if circumstances force
them,
Dick asked Schenk lo what extent he had
been actively involved in modifying the four
year plan. Schenk's reply was that, "the
cooperation of aihlele, coach, doclor and
physiotherapist is essential for success. These
three people played an importanl role in my
Olympic victory. However, il was also possi-
ble for me lo influence my own training and,
of course, to a higher degree in laler years. It
is very important for young alhletes lo be
taught, for them to be led to success.
However, ihis changes as time passes.
2.14 Herbert Czingon (GER):
Report ofthe Pole Vauh workshop
Czingon made the following summaries of
the main lopics discussed:
I) Comparison of Peirov (Rit.ssian) and
Houvion iFrench) technique schools'
In recent years, improvements of perfor-
mance standards in the Pole Vault have been
achieved by a significant increase in grip
heights. Until the beginning of the 80s. grip
heights above 5.00m were very rare, but from
aboul 1985 many vaulters have used grip
heights significanlly higher ihan this. Apart
from the increase in approach velocity neces-
sary for such grip heights, it is obvious that
two different techniques have made this
increase in grip height possible.
 Representatives of both lechniques do not
differ much wilh regard lo approach velocity
or poinl ol lake-olf: Mosl world-class
vaulters loday have a take-off position well in
front of the planting box ('free lake off), and
only very few 'run u n d e r ' the pole.
Differences occur in the way kinelic energy
from the approach is converted inlo maximal
flight (and thus vault) height during the
bending and unbending of the pole.
The direclion of lhe energy flow after
take-off varies between vaulters. Figure 1
shows the fundamenlal course of the energy
ctinversion processes during the pole vaull.
This course of energ\ con\'ersion also
varies from vauller lo vaulter. It has become
clear that at leasi iwo differeni inierpreta-
lions. or 'schools.' can be distinguished. Their
characteristics are shown in Table 4 .
In the discussion it became obvious that
the representatives of boih 'schools' have
good arguments lo support their points of
view. Whal will happen in future is difficull
lo say. However, it may be assumed that elite
vaulters will follow the example currenlly
bemg set by Rodion (iataullin who combines
the advantages of both \ariants,
2) Aids for lechnitpie training
In an ideal world, poles of differing
degrees of stiffness would be used lor differ-
ent lypes of iraining, lengths of approach.
iraining goals etc. In realitv. however, many
clubs are unable lo provide a range cif poles
for financial reasons. An added problem is
that, for psychologicat reasons, training poles
which are stiffer than necessary should be
used. When the righl poles are not available,
special measures musl be taken when organ-
ising lechnique training. Methodical aids
should be inlroduced;
• to compensate for faligue in training;
• when stiffer or longer poles are required;
• when competition poles are used for train-
ing.

Height of the
jumper's centre of
mass (potential energy
Kinetic of the jumper) Potential
energy of energy of
the jumper Pole bend the jumper
(tension energy
at the end of the pole) when
ofthe clearing
Rotational velocity
approach during the rock back the bar
(kinetic energy
of the jumper)

Figure 1: Course »f Ihc energy conversion process during Ihe Pole Vault
105
 During the discussion it emerged that the
three best training aids lo help de\eiop Pole
Vault lechnique were:
« a planting box whose depth can be
altered:
• a built up take-off board or/and;
• physically pushing the athlele.
T h e optimal solulion to this p r o b l e m
would be runways with variable degree of
inclination. As these can rcatislicallv be
Table 4: comparison of techniques of Russian and French Pole I'ault 'schools'
Russian School/Petrov
• Maximized rotation velocity of the
vaulter during the rock back,
high Kinetic energy ot the
vaulter during the vault.
• Intention: fast straightening of
the pole caused by an effective
pendulum movement of the vaulter
on lhe pole.
• Frequently very marhed over
extension of the shoulder girdle
in the 'penetration' phase; both
arms are above the head.
• Relatively fasl 'whip-like'
transition from the penetration
to the rock back.
• Relatively 'fast' bending and
straightening ofthe pole.
• The vaulter "flies' out of the
pull-and-lurn phase, and there is
a great 'scattering' of energy by
the body segments.
• Take-off point well back.
• used mainly by tall vaulters.
Representatives: Bubka
Tarasov. Polapovich.
106
incorporated inlo only a few training centres.
Pole Vault coaches should try oul all three
training aids during lechnique iraining and
use the one that best suits the respective situ-
ation.
3) Woitien's Pole Vaull
In almost all European countries efforts
have been made lo introduce women's Pole
Vault. However, the following problems are
evident:
French Schoot/Houvion
• Maximization of the pole bend and of
the pole's potential energy.
• Intention: maximal shortening ofthe
pole and therefore minimization of the
lever to be risen.
• Frequently wide grip and forward
movement of the lower arm during
take off; relatively long maintenance of
the hang position.
• Relatively slow "guided" transition from
the penetration to the rock back.
• Relatively 'slow' bending and
straightening ofthe pole.
• The coming out of the pull-and-turn
phase resembles a gymnastic
movement, and there is only a slight
'scattering' of energy by the body
segments.
• Relatively low rotation velocity of the
vaulter during the rock back.
• Used mainly by small vaulters.
Representatives: Vigneron, Quinon.
Collet, but also Yegorov.
• In clubs (or institutions) which have been
very aciive in the Pole Vault, the women's
event is promoted only in exceptional
cases as there is nol enough suitable
equipmeni and mosl coaches do not have
the lime to work with women:
• Clubs which want to concentrate on the
women's Pole Vaull need the righl equip-
ment, facilities and also specialist coaching.
For Ihese reasons, coaches participaling in
the congress asked the Council of the EACA
lo work t o w a r d s the i n t e g r a t i o n of the
women's evenl inlo more internalional com-
petition programmes. International coopera-
tion amongst coaches was also agreed.
4} Vaulting poles
Since the inlroduction of fibreglass vault-
ing poles aboul 30 years ago. pole vaulters
resident oulside the USA have been al a dis-
advantage because the highest qualily poles
are m a n u f a c i u r e d in the USA and then
exported to world markets. So far. European
firms have not managed to break this domi-
nance.
It was agreed that the Pole Vault event
could only continue to develop and grow in
popularity if ways and means were found to
gel less expensive poles outside the USA.
Plans were made to discuss this problem with
importers of vaulting poles and European
manufacturers.
2.15 Heikki Kyrolainen (FIN):
Report on the Long Jump workshop
Kyrolainen made the following summaries
of the main topics discussed:
/) Svstems in different eouniries for fhe
idenlificalion of talented young long jimipers
There is no one system but Ihe following
meihods are used:
• Coaches walch school competitions to find
talented long jumpers;
• In many countries school sports clubs lest
young alhletes to find those best suited for
the longjump;
• In many countries there is a well devel-
oped link belween school leachers and
club coaches. Teachers inform their coach
contacts when they find a talented long
jumper.
Problems of talent identification:
• The best coaches work with the elite ath-
letes while young athletes often have the
worst coaches;
• Athletics has to compete wilh other sporis
and loses many highly talented athleles to
them:
• In many countries the distance between
iraining centres and athletes' homes is too
far;
• In many countries regional differences
cause problems and hinder a systematic
search for talent.
2} Long Jump technique
The discussion of Long Jump technique
produced the following conclusions:
• It is important to have a very powerful
push-off phase in the penultimate step;
• Before touchdown of the lake-off foot the
lake-off teg musl be very active, i.e., the
hamstrings and the bullock muscles.
which contribute to the exiension of the
hipjoint, must work hard. Insufficient pre-
activity in these muscles could lead to very
stiff extension muscles;
• If the penultimate step is very fast and pow-
erful, take-off liming is normally correct.
If these two factors - a very powerful
pushoff during the penultimate step and the
active louchdown of lhe lake-off foot - are
optimal, the long jumper will be better able
lo mainiain horizontal velocity and develop
sufficient vertical velocity.
3) Long Jump iraining
The focus of the discussion was on
strength training. Workshop participants 107
 Table 7: Aids for developing Pole Vault technique

Deeper Box Built up take-off Pushing

Advantages No change in the Less expensive than No need to alter

approach and 'Deeper box.' equipment or
take-off level. Take-off heights can facilities.
Take-off height be altered. Experienced coach
can be varied. Greater vertical can grade the
Greater verticaf component of amount of help
component of take-off velocity. provided.
take-off velocity. Relalively safe.

Disadvantage More expensive. Forces undesirable Difficult for coach

Different plant angle change in take-off to observe.
at different grip technique.
heights.

Recommended Where facilities Where alterations For beginners and

can be altered. are difficult. developing vaulters.
Easily and quickly
improvised
assistance.

agreed that t h e r e are two types of tong
j u m p e r s ; s t r e n g t h - o r i e n t e d and s p e e d -
sirength-orienied tong jumpers. These two
types need to follow differeni training meth-
ods. Strength training with high loads is not
best suited to speed-strength oriented long
jumpers just as explosive strength training is
not best suited to strength-orienled long
jumpers. Of course, some jumpers share
characieristics of both lypes.
Manv research projects have stated that
muscle strength increases can be achieved by
increasing muscle mass and/or the neural
input to the muscles. It is perhaps useful to
increase first of all the muscle mass and lo
subsequently emphasise neural aclivalion.
When strength training wilh maximal loads.
maximal effort is also imporlant since only
wilh this is it possible to increase muscle
strength. As the Long Jump is an explosive
evenl. the jumper must also produce a maxi-
mal effori when training against high resis-
tances.
108
The merits of single foot strength exercis-
es, not leasl because long jumpers lake off
from a single foot, was keenly discussed. The
conclusion was that one-legged strength exer-
cises were extremely useful. For example,
during single leg squats the q u a d r i c e p s
femoris, the knee extensors, the hamstrings
and buttock muscles are alt worked hard.
These muscles are responsible for the exten-
sion of the hipjoint.
Regeneration and the sequence of train-
ing sessions were the last topics discussed in
this workshop. Is it. for example, good to do
technique training the day after speed train-
ing? The view of participants was that if ath-
letes aimed lo jump from a full-lenglh
approach, they should train lightly the day
before.
Aciive regeneration in the form of jog-
ging, strength exercises wilh light weights
etc., was also discussed. These exercises are
useful when regenerating the body after high-
ly intensive loads. For passive regeneration.
massage, underwater massage, and mineral
baths are useful. Within the framework of
regeneration, measuremenl of the anabolic-
catabolic relationship is also useful. This can
be done through blood tests.
The conclusion of this workshop was that
since long jump technique was fairly simple,
longjump training should not be too complex
either. Meihods used should follow the KISS
principle: "Keep it simple, stupid!"
2.16 Anders Ryden (SWE):
Report of the High Jutnp workshop
Ryden made the following summaries of
Ihe main topics discussed:
1) Must high jiunpers be very tall':'
An investigation inio the world's top 30
male high jumpers has found that 27% were
Russians and 25% Americans. l.S7m was the
average height of the American jumpers and
2.03m the average height of the Russians.
Therefore it seems as if the Russians look for
taller high jumpers. It is said that there are
many failed basketball players among the
American high jumpers.
The curreni Wortd Junior champion Steve
Smith (GBR), who cleared 2.37 m in 1992. is
onty 1.84m tall.
2) Why was 2.34m good enough to win the
1992 Olympic High Jump gold medal?
In many world class meetings athletes are
allowed a lol of lime and can jump when they
want to. Al the 1992 Olympics, the alhletes
were under far greater time pressure. The
growing nuniber of international competi-
tions could also have had a negative influ-
ence. Perhaps thc reason Steve Smith was
able to surpass the Olympic mark at the
World Junior Championships was because he
had not participated in too many competi-
lions.
3} Approach curve
During the p e n u l l i m a t e step many
jumpers lurn their outer fool outwards. This
may be a result of the approach velocity. To
avoid this, some j u m p e r s might be best
advised to reduce their approach speed. By
doing so they will be in a better posiiion to
make the vertical jump.
4) Heel plant during the
lake-off foot touchdown
Measurement has shown that the time
between take-off foot touchdown and lake
off is 0.13 sec, both in the case of heel touch-
down and flal footed louchdown. Workshop
participants agreed that jumpers who used
the front of their feet to plant risked falling
forward or sustaining injuries.
5} The inßuence ofina.xitnal strength training
on reactive strength
The significance of maximal strength
Iraining depends on whether one coaches a
power or speed ftt)pper, Alt participanis of
the workshop agreed ihal maximal strengih
has a negative intluence on reactive strength.
However, this influence will not remain, but
after two monlhs the reactive slrenglh has
reached its original level again.
6) Steve Smith's Development
It was interesting to learn that Smith
(GBR) began as a cross-country runner al
the age of 11 and was high jumping L84m at
the age of 14, This was very encouraging
because many coaches have athletes who
clear l.S4m at this age.
2.17 Ted King (GBR)/Mikc Holmes (GBR):
Report of the TripleJunip workshop
King and Holmes made the following
summaries of the main topics discussed;.
/) When should girls start triple lumping?
When they reach maturity al the age of 16.
They might begin special training earlier than
boys, however, the deveiopmeni of strength
of their muscles and ligaments takes a bit
longer. Therefore rhylhm training should be
conducted first.
109
 2) Is there a difference between boys and girls
as far as lhe iraining of beginners is con-
cerned?
Many boys are very 'aggressive* and need
to be restrained if ihey are lo acquire the
righl lechnique. When girls train on a rhythm
basis the problem is not so much technique
but the development of the aggressive ele-
ment. Here, sporis psychology can make a
contribution,
3) Is there a standard teaching melhod for the
Triple Jump or even a Triple Jump 'school'
whose characieristics can be applied lo all ath-
letes? Is there, in particular, a plan for 13-16
year-olds which can he followed by coaches?
Experience shows that countries with
more regimented iraining systems usually
have a syslcm for Triple J u m p training
(Germany). Countries in which training is
less regimented (Great Britain) do not have
such a system. Yet this does not seem to have
had a negalive effect.
4) What iraining should 12-16 year-old male
and female iriple jimipers do?
In Germany the general opinion is that
numerous general preparatory jumping exer-
cises should be performed. These are low
loads which do not overstrain athleles. They
perform m o d e r a t e hopping and jumping
exercises wilhoul covering great distances.
The focus is on technique.
5) When should athletes begin
weighl iraining?
According to a Greek coach presenl. a
load of 10% of body weight is enough for
technique-oriented training at the age of 14
and 15. The British do not refer lo specific
ages or loads, but begin weighl training when
athletes have developed sufficienl muscular
and psvchological slrenglh.
no
6} What should the structure of a multi-year
training programtne for young triple jumpers
look like?
Some programmes begin with general
preparation when athletes are beiween the
age of 8 and 12, while in other countries spe-
cialisation begins when athletes take up the
event regardless of age. Therefore, there are
considerable differences. However, the par-
ticipants of the workshop agreed that a gen-
eral p r e p a r a t i o n phase was necessary
allhough opinions on the necessary duration
of this phase varied between three and four
years.
This general preparation leads to a second
general-specific phase which lasts until ath-
leles are 16. During this phase athletes take
part in other evenis as well. The last phase,
which starts at the age of 16. is more event-
specific.
The yearly programme is almost an imita-
tion of the multi-year buildup. It begins with
a general phase where there is hardly any dif-
ference between girls and boys so there is no
need to develop new preparation exercises
especially for girls. A variant presented by
Klaus Schlottke consists of a six weeks phase
following the general preparation phase. This
phase includes four training weeks, one
regeneration week and a test week for 'fine-
tuning' the parameiers before the next phase
of the iraining programme.
When working with women, coaches
should always remember that:
• women can have problems with posture,
especially with regard to hip and knee
angles;
• women are affected by the menstrual
cycle:
• Alhletes who have given birth must be
gradually re-introduced lo training.