Another great pixsequence. Thanks.
Maybe the most common elements of these huge jumps is the optimal maintenance of horizontal velocity, the relatively wide angle of take-off, and therefore the impulse applied during the hinging action on sustained contact with the board. This last consideration especially pertinent in Beamon’s case.
It does not seem to matter greatly whether the COG is lowered on the penultimate stride or on the final stride, although if it is lowered on the final stride I suppose the angle of takeoff may be wider, the force of impulse may be greater and the time the impulse is applied (sustained) may be longer. ???
Usually, just from native-eye, it seems those with the COG lowering on the penultimate stride have a relatively longer contact time on the penultimate stride, followed by a shorter contact time on the take-off, although there may be only milliseconds involved in the differences.
The action in lowering the COG in the setup for takeoff often involves a sideways movement. This would appear to be judged by the jumper so as to - both - use a lateral process to lower COG while also making space for himself so as to avoid a foul. But it would still appear to be an action which has the jumper “crowding” the board. This lateral movement would cause a reduction in horizontal velocity which would reduce the potential distance of the jump.
I heard Tom Tellez explain that all he instructed Lewis to achieve in the penultimate stride was to put his foot FLAT on the track in the penultimate stride . This was elegantly simple and had the effect of dramatically lowering centre of gravity from which the final (takeoff) stride could be accelerated upwards into the liftoff-running action off the board. The run off the board was of course key in the process.