Methodological Problems in Optimization of the Flight Phase in Ski Jumping

Abstract

The flight distance in ski jumping depends largely on the initial conditions immediately after leaving the ramp, the aerodynamic position of the athlete during the flight, and his kinematic behavior during the landing phase. However, these variables are not mutually independent. An attempt to maximize the jumping length means that one is faced with the problem of optimization. This paper discusses the difficulties in the optimization of some of the influencing factors with respect to maximization of performance. Although a ski jump may be divided into distinct phases (approach run, takeoff, flight, and landing) the results of the study suggest that a relevant procedure in optimizing a jump must include all phases, since every stage of the jump has its consequences on the subsequent phases. The major problems occur when looking at the transitions during takeoff and landing, due to the wide variety of possible kinematic behaviors of the athletes.