Sutton's conclusion about the forces on the human tibia is shown to be invalid but correct. There is no rational basis for the fairly common impression that broad jumpers should take off at 45°. Subject to simplifying assumptions about the mechanism of the broad jumper it is shown that athletes in this event should take off at less than full speed. The leg motions of broad jumpers in air serve a useful purpose. The application of physics and other sciences to the techniques of sport is a neglected but promising enterprise.
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© 1957 American Association of Physics Teachers.
1957
American Association of Physics Teachers
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