Abstract
The purpose of this study was to derive criteria for observational evaluation of the high jump (scissors jump) to allow examination of the essential elements of high jump performance by upper-grade elementary school children that contributed to achievement of the target record.
The subjects of this study were 46 children (26 boys and 20 girls) who attended instruction classes in high jump in both the 5th and 6th grades. In the class who practiced high jump continuously for 2 years, motion during the scissors jump was analyzed and evaluated longitudinally according to the observational criteria we had derived, and technical elements that contributed to achieving the high jump target record were extracted.
The main results were as follows.
1. The criteria derived for observational evaluation comprised 6 items and 5 stages, which were shown to have constant validity, objectivity and reliability for evaluating the series of motions during the scissors jump.
2. In the 5th grade, it was preferable to learn the technique of take-off with the whole body extended, raising the lead leg highly with the knee extended, and raising the take-off leg highly with the hip joint widened.
3. In the 6th grade, it was preferable to learn the technique of run-up in which speed was maintained and rhythm was improved in the last 2 or 3 steps, and take-off with the upper body raised from a backward posture. The technique for take-off made the best use of rhythm and speed in the run-up, derived progressively from the content acquired in 5th grade.
4. Though the content of study should be appropriate for the developmental stage, it is preferable to place more emphasis on techniques related to run-up and take-off for upper-grade elementary school children.
