Mechanics of translation in the fosbury-flop.

The mechanics of the translations involved in the Fosbury-flop technique of high jumping were examined in the light of appropriate experimental data, generated using a 3-dimensional cinematographical method. The curved run-up was found to cause the athletes to lean toward the center of the curve at the start of the take-off phage (TD). The center of gravity (c.g.) of all the jumpers had a negative vertical velocity at TI). The lateral deviation of the path of the c.g. during the take-off phage was small, implying small centripetal forces. The initial trajectory of the parabolic path of the c.g. after the take-off made an angle of between 40 degrees and 48 degrees with the horizontal plane. During the take-off phase the take-off leg was found to flex at least as much as previouslyreported for athletes using the straddle style. One of the subjects in the study was able to clear the bar although the peak height of the parabolic path followed by his c.g. was at the same level as the bar.