Coach-

I can’t imagine a better start to the first day of the National Jumps Symposium. I learned so much and was able to ask a number of questions to the first two speakers.

In the first presentation Coach Cliff Rovelto dedicated all his time to answering the specific questions of attendees on the high jump. Over 30 questions were presented.

One of the most interesting questions stemmed around a discussion on running by the pit or running up through the pit during an approach in high jump warm-ups. Coach Rovelto reminisced on a world championship experience where he was mocked for running by the pit. Then 12 years later every athlete in warm-ups of major championships was running by the pit.

He explained that when you run up through the pit you slow down. You lose pressure and fall out of the curve when you rehearse this during the warm-up period. Coach Rovelto talked about how he refused to let his athletes do that and how much better it allowed his athletes to consistently rehearse the proper approach mechanics. 

In closing he said, “High jump is one of the simplest events to teach but hardest events to coach.” Over the course of the evening, that statement became very evident! 

In the second presentation Coach Bob Thurhoffer discussed the importance of connecting speed to the long jump approach. His philosophical points really hit home and challenged the way I had previously thought. I wanted to share the main points he discussed throughout his talk.

1. You have to have speed to connect it

2. Delicate interplay of speed gains and skillful execution of approach 

3. Full approach work has to be the #1 priority

4. Short approaches are simply a bridge to the full approach 

5. Pay attention to the shape of the approach 

6. Develop reactive strength to handle more speed at takeoff

The philosophical and planned execution of a pursuit of increased speed and its application to the skillful execution and steering to find proper positions at takeoff in this event was fascinating. 

The schedule for the next 3 days is just as loaded and I cannot wait to learn even more! Check out the rest of the topics and schedule below! 

Always be growing,

Coach Rathke and the T&F Community of Coaches helping Coaches