The Biomechanics of Jumping

The main task for any level of coach is to construct a training program that will ensure continual progression of an athlete whilst avoiding injury. This is a particularly challenging task with athletes who have had several training years behind them. According to the principles of training, to ensure adaptation, overload in the form of manipulating frequency, volume and intensity must be applied. Furthermore, training exercises must be specific to the target task to ensure a carry over effect. Biomechanics is a sports science sub-discipline which is able to quantify the potential effect of training exercises, rather than leaving it to the coaches "gut feel".