I think this topic should be expanded.

I play volleyball and have done similar research and am still in need of additional questions.

1 footed jump (from standing)
1 footed jump (moving forward – i.e. lay-up (bball) or a slide (vball))
2 footed staggered jump – where one foot lands first, then the other foot lands in front of the first. Ideal volleyball attack take-off. I assume it’s similar in basketball.

One thing I’ve been trying to do is figure out:
1 – how the foot should land. heel then toe? toe then heel?
2 – what muscles should I be using with each leg to slow my body down as I descent in relation to what part of my foot has contacted the ground, and as I ascend.
3 – 2 footed staggered jump – should I load the first leg to make contact with the ground until the second has also loaded? Or should I rock the momentum from one leg to another?

I have decent form with most of my lifts, but I know I still do more harm than good to my knee’s because of how I jump dynamically in a game. Hopefully this discussion can help guide the athletes in the community.

Thanks Legion! <3

Sean Thor–
Episodes to take a look at.
Pro Episode # 25 – Matt Hasselbeck Edition: Advice for the Uni-Lateral/One Sided Athlete
Pro Episode # 54 – Using the Barbel for Better Safety and Performance in Jumping Based Sports: Part 1
Pro Episode # 56 – Using the Barbell for Better Safety and Performance in Jumping Based Sports: Part 2

Since I’m not a “Pro” user – could you clarify if the video’s specifically talk about foot position and timing during a jump in a dynamic sense during a sporting activity? Or do the video’s only address the issue’s in relation to a controlled strength and conditioning environment.

Mobilitywod, Crossfit and most area’s that intersect in this “genre” usually focus on the strength & conditioning biomechanics – but not necessarily the unique scenarios presented in a sport. Those unique scenario’s seem to be left up to the individual sport coach to address.
 

Hey Sean,

I found this article and found it pretty useful.
http://www.fitstoronto.com/jumpers-knee-there-is-a-solution/

One of the main take-aways was: “
Concentric RFD Force Development – Land with hamstring activation”

Does anyone have any recommendations for how to train this hamstring activation when landing?

There are several sport specific mwods.
You may need to scroll through the episodes pages to find them if they don’t come up using the search function.
With improved technique and movements patterns many issues are addressed so its not as much a sport specific direction. Starting at the simplest level at the foundation of the movement or issue so there is alot of crossover.

I have. The one’s relating to volleyball are mostly focused on the shoulder.

None of them seem to focus on dynamic jumping in a “non-controlled” environment outside of a strength-conditioning facility/regimine.  Especially under the circumstances of having forward momentum when entering a jump sequence and further considering the use of a single leg, or a staggered footed landing.

Starting at the simplest level does help. But video’s, especially those of Carl Paoli, that show a progression of specific movements are invaluable in developing both a mental and physical understanding of advanced movements. The foundation is just the start of the house – you still need to build the frame, the wiring, the plumbing, etc.

Perhaps that additional information, beyond the foundation, isn’t found here on mobilitywod. That’s completely fine.  I think the idea is for the community to share where that additional information is found so that everyone can benefit and make better choices.

Sean,

Here’s another website that I think is getting closer to answering our question, however it doesn’t really address foot position and timing. –
PracticalOrthopaedicSportsMedicineArthrocopy