Article
The aim of the study is to identify the differences in the technique of performing the main phases of the jump among Russian female ski jumpers and female Nordic combined, and to assess whether their angular parameters align with current global trends (based on data from the 14th World Cup stage in 2021).
Methods and organization of the research. A biomechanical analysis of video recordings of 30 qualified and highly qualified female athletes was carried out. Video recording was performed using three cameras («Sony HDR-CX 700E» and «Sony HDR550E», 50 frames/s) at the 8th stage of the Russian Cup (2026, K-90), the Russian Nordic Combined Championship (2026, K-95), and the 14th stage of the World Cup (2021, K-95). The angular parameters were assessed in the take‑off stance, during the take‑off, and at 15 meters of flight using the «Dartfish ProSuite 9.0» software. The arithmetic mean (M) and standard deviation (SD) were calculated using «Microsoft Excel» software, while intergroup differences were assessed using Cohen’s d effect size and the nonparametric Mann–Whitney U test in «StatPlus 7» software.
Results and discussion. In the acceleration phase technique at Russian competitions, no significant differences were found (p>0,05); however, when compared with international competitions in 2021, significant differences were identified (p>0,05), along with a large practical effect (d>1,7). Significant differences (p<0,05) were identified between representatives of the two sports in the execution of the push‑off and flight phases. Compared to ski jumpers, Nordic combined skiers demonstrate an open torso position (40,88±6,59° for NC, 32,42±5,56° for SJ) and a less active push‑off angle (86,70±4,03° for NC, 85,46±0,37° for SJ). The resulting flight phase indicator, the aerodynamic coefficient (AC), of female athletes at Russian competitions is significantly higher than that of their rivals at international starts (0,54±0,05). Such AC values (0,65±0,08 for NC, 0,61±0,07 for SJ) do not contribute to achieving an aerodynamically advantageous position. Only a few domestic athletes were able to approach the level of technical preparedness of foreign athletes in 2021 by 2026.
Conclusion. The technique used by Russian female Nordic combined and ski jumpers to perform the key phases of the ski jump in 2026 is inferior to the level of preparedness demonstrated by female athletes at international competitions five years ago. Established reliably significant differences and a large effect of practical differences in the biomechanical characteristics of the female jump indicate not only fundamentally different techniques in two related sports, but also a systemic lag in the training methodology. The data obtained justify the need to develop a new methodology for technical training, taking into account modern world trends.
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