Transition and Heel

The accuracy of the control marks

As in length, accuracy in heeling is vital, but with an added complexity: the athlete must hit both distance and angle. Two main reference marks are usually used.

The first is the start mark. The second, and more critical, is the transition mark (the point where the straight ends and the curve begins).

The athlete must hit this mark with the outside foot to accurately initiate the turn.

If he misses this mark by a few centimeters, the radius of the turn will change; if the turn becomes too open, he will lose centrifugal force; if it is too tight, the force will crush him to the ground.

The coach sets this "entry point" to ensure that the geometry of the jump is consistent on every attempt, regardless of the pressure of the competition.

The change of frequency and rhythm

High altitude running has a distinctive rhythm. It begins with long, powerful push-off strides on the straight, but as the athlete enters the turn and approaches the bar, the stride frequency should increase.

A fast "ta-ta-ta-ta-ta" rhythm is sought on the last three supports. This increased cadence helps to slightly lower the center of mass actively on the penultimate step (similar to the length, but less pronounced) and allows for quick placement of the kicking foot.

The athlete should not decelerate to turn; they should accelerate through the turn. The feeling should be one of controlled aggression, keeping the knees high despite the body lean.

The position of the shoulders on the approach

During the turn, the orientation of the shoulders is counter-intuitive. Although the athlete runs in the curve to the left (for a left-handed jumper), he must keep the right (outside) shoulder slightly behind or "open" to the bar until the last instant.

This is known as "turning his back to the bar". It prevents the athlete from turning prematurely toward the mat before take-off.

If the jumper turns his shoulders toward the bar while running (anticipation), he kills the elastic tension and "falls" onto the bar.

The instr