If you are keen and have queries, please contact Coach Rameshon at 9100 4369 or you can email him at m.rameshon@gmail.com or swift.rameshon@gmail.com. Please refer to website http://flexifitness.com.sg (for more information on him and his programmes)
By Rameshon
Bsc (Hons) Degree in Physical Education, Loughborough University (1992-1994)
Masters in Education (University of Western Australia, 2005-2008)
Standing Broad Jump - To do or not to do the heel flick?
When we see the sprinters run, we are not able to observe much of the movements as they are using purely anaerobic actions. It can be seen by frame by frame. However, we now see the 800m runners having the ability to sprint all the way till the end, like David Rudisha. In an 800m run, it is easy to see the technique used, as it is 60 % anaerobic as compared to longer distance events.
800m runners
The 800 metres runners predominantly use more technique as compared to the 5000m runners. As can be seen 1976 Olympic Champion of 800m Alberto Juantorena from Cuba. He had a style of running which is more to bring the rear leg to do the heel flick. He did the 800m in a time of 1min 43.50sec and broke the record.
Even David Moorcroft who broke the 5000m record to 13min 00sec in the past recommended doing this type of style to get the optimum and maximum stride to one's body height.
However, over time, things changed from looking at the past top runners like Sebastion Coe, Steve Cram, Steve Scott and Steve Ovett, who were of British origin, these runners were dominating the middle distance events during the 1980s. The using of the heel flick was not predominant in them. The problem of the heel flick is that one can stay in the air for a longer period of time, as can be seen from the stride done by Alberto Juantorena.
Picture 1 - Juantorena doing the heel flick in the 800m race in 1976 Olympics.
In the record-breaking 1min 41.01sec by David Rudisha, he was doing a near-perfect heel flick just as Alberto Juantorena. However, he was not staying in the air long like Juantorena.
Picture 2- If Juantorena had not stayed in the air like this he would have done a much faster time.
My perception
Hence, it is, to my perception, better to do one's best to bring the heel to have contact with the butt before the Standing Broad Jump. However, if the heel is not going to have any contact, it is still alright as it may advantageous to the person as they may not have to stay in the air for a longer period of time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is good to practise the heel flick for standing broad jump with both legs, just like sprinting action practise.used on the rear leg. If one is not able to do the heel flick, it is still alright to jump as there is no hard and fast rule on this.
David Rudisha 1:41.09 World Record in Berlin - HQ
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By Narayanan
He also has a Coaching group and he trains them on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7pm at Botanic Gardens. Those interested can call him at 91004369 for coaching assistance, to improve performance. There is also personal training that he does for many in a week. You can e-mail him at swift.rameshon@gmail.com.
Note:
By Narayanan
Rameshon has taught in Hwa Chong Institution, plus several schools, and Republic Polytechnic as well. He has won many accolades and he was awarded Merit Award for 1991 marathon performance in breaking the national record of Singapore, at that time. He has made 22 male athletes do a marathon in sub-3hrs. He has made 7 female runners do sub-4 hours for the marathon, as well. He was inducted to the ‘Roll of Honour’ by the then College of Physical Education, organised by Singapore Olympic Academy, in 1998, for breaking the National record repeatedly 4 times, till he did 2hr 24min 22sec).
He also has a Coaching group and he trains them on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7pm at Botanic Gardens. Those interested can call him at 91004369 for coaching assistance, to improve performance. There is also personal training that he does for many in a week. You can e-mail him at swift.rameshon@gmail.com.
