Vertical Takeoff and Rotation

The conversion of forces at the "Hinge Point".

The take-off is the violent moment where the horizontal physics collide with the vertical structure.

The beating foot (the one furthest from the bar) must be planted firmly on the ground, pointing toward the drop zone but not parallel to the bar (usually at about 30 degrees).

At this instant, the body goes from being tilted inward (by the curve) to an upright position. The foot acts as a hinge.

The horizontal velocity of the stroke hits the locked beating leg and, thanks to the rigidity of the system, is redirected upward.

If the swing leg flexes excessively (damping), the energy is dissipated and the jump loses height.

Contact should be quick, heel to toe, with explosive extension.

The role of the free leg and arms

The free leg (the inside leg, closest to the bar) plays a crucial role in the lift and rotation.

It must be thrust vigorously upward and, slightly, toward the opposite shoulder (across the body).

This "crossover" knee movement helps to rotate the athlete's hips back to the bar without twisting the spine.

Simultaneously, the arms (either double-arm or alternating technique) are thrown vertically to raise the center of mass. If the arms or free leg stop midway, the jump is "off".

The momentum should continue until the athlete feels that his or her shoulders are rising above the bar.

The Paradox of Verticality

Although the goal is to pass a horizontal bar, the takeoff should be purely vertical. A common mistake is to jump "toward the bar".

The athlete should jump as if to touch an object suspended directly overhead.

The parabola of flight and rotation will take him over the bar thanks to the inertia of the previous run.

If the athlete voluntarily launches himself towards the mat, he will knock the bar down with his hip or shoulder.