Approaches to Technique and Training the High Jump

This episode discusses a paper by Wolfgang Ritzdorf, Director of the World High Jump Centre in Cologne, Germany, explaining his approach to coaching high jumpers. 
He argues that coaches must first establish a technical model for their athletes, then assess whether their personal style hinders or helps them achieve key technical elements. Next, he emphasises the crucial role of reactive strength in determining an athlete's ideal take-off time, which, in turn, informs the technical model selected. 

Ritzdorf outlines a four-stage technical preparation programme:
1. Developing general qualities,
2. Developing specific qualities,
3. Developing specific skills, and
4. Technical training. 

He concludes that limiting technical training to a maximum of two sessions per week, with a small number of jumps from a short approach, helps to maximise performance and avoid negative changes in the dynamics of the jump.

Source:
Approaches to Technique and Technical Training in the High Jump