Take off in the long jump-angular momentum considerations.

Abstract The angular momentum produced at take off in the long jump was studied throught the use of cinematography and strain gauge technology. The resulting force and positional data from the best performance of several trials by each of eight intercollegiate and interscholastic long jumpers performing several trials was integrated to obtain angular momentum values. The results indicate that a forward rotation about a transverse axis through the center of mass occurred for all jumpers. In addition a high mean angular momentum value of 72.2 ft-lb-sec was caused by a dominance of braking force at foot plant. Estimates of possible error indicate a high sensitivity to positional data and possible errors of one-third of the obtained value with normally obtainable data.