Here's a breakdown:
* Pike Position: The athlete brings their legs towards their chest, bending at the hips while keeping their knees straight.
* Forward Somersault: The athlete rotates their body forward, completing a full revolution in the air.
* Dynamic Skill: This means the jump requires a lot of power and control from the athlete to execute properly.
Key Points:
* The athlete's body should be in a tight, streamlined pike position throughout the somersault.
* The athlete must maintain control of their body to ensure a safe and successful landing.
* Pike jumps are often used as a transition to other skills, such as twisting or multiple somersaults.
Why is it important?
Pike jumps are a fundamental skill in trampolining, helping athletes develop:
* Strength and power: The tucking motion requires significant muscular strength and power.
* Balance and coordination: The athlete must maintain balance and control throughout the jump.
* Air awareness: The athlete needs to understand their position in the air to land safely.
Variations:
There are variations of the pike jump, including:
* Pike with a twist: The athlete performs a pike jump while twisting their body.
* Pike with a half-twist: The athlete performs a pike jump while twisting their body halfway.
Overall, the pike jump is an important skill for all trampolinists, and mastering it is crucial for progressing to more advanced skills.