The aim of the research study was to examine the structure of take-off power in ski jumpers during a take-off imitation, which is a relatively popular training method, and to compare the shape of the take-off force impulse with that of the real take-off impulse on the ski jump ramp. Take-off imitation can serve as a means of developing the motor programme for the take-off technique and improving various components of take-off power. The subject of the research was take-off power measured during a vertical jump performed in sports shoes and ski jumping boots, as well as during a take-off imitation with a 30 cm centre-of-mass displacement and a take-off imitation with catching. Data on selected factors of the take-off power structure were obtained from a sample of four female ski jumpers, including a World Cup overall winner and an Olympic champion. All four variations of take-off imitation produced significantly longer take-off times compared to the take-off time during a real jump on the ski jump ramp. Take-off time increased by 40 to 60% relative to the real take-off, which typically lasts approximately 0.2 to 0.3 seconds. The largest difference between the shape of the take-off impulse on the ski jump ramp and that during the take-off imitation was observed in take-off imitation with catching performed in ski jumping boots. This seemingly appealing training method demonstrated that the actual neuromuscular mechanisms of take-off power differ substantially from those involved in the execution of a real take-off. From the perspective of take-off technique development, training involving take-off imitation with catching may produce effects that are quite the opposite of those required for proper take-off technique on the ski jump ramp. Take-off imitation with catching can be an effective training tool in the initial phase of movement technique improvement during take-off, especially for beginners. However, for more experienced male and female ski jumpers, this method is unlikely to contribute significantly to the positive development of the specific take-off power. On the contrary, an improper training approach may even lead to negative transfer effects on the development of take-off technique during the real jump.
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