Concentric impulse is the key determinant of jump height (via take...
Eamonn Flanagan@EamonnFlanagan
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Oct 23, 2025
~1 min read
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1
Concentric impulse is the key determinant of jump height (via take off velocity).
So why does eccentric rate of force development or eccentric impulse matter?
So why does eccentric rate of force development or eccentric impulse matter?
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Concentric impulse is hugely influenced by what preceeds it
In the eccentric phase, how fast, how deep and how much force you develop, dictates how effectively you attack the concentric phase
The eccentric phase is the platform from which to launch concentric force production
In the eccentric phase, how fast, how deep and how much force you develop, dictates how effectively you attack the concentric phase
The eccentric phase is the platform from which to launch concentric force production
3
The eccentric phase prepares concentric phase:
High eRFD → quicker ecc-con transition, enhanced elastic contribution.
High eIMP→ more stored energy & higher starting force in concentric phase
Some athletes can can can exhibit both, some leverage one more than the other
High eRFD → quicker ecc-con transition, enhanced elastic contribution.
High eIMP→ more stored energy & higher starting force in concentric phase
Some athletes can can can exhibit both, some leverage one more than the other
4
A high eRFD allows athletes to hit the brakes fast, create stiffness & begin reversing momentum quickly.
"Elastic" jumpers = less displacement of the CoM, fast trainsition to concentric phase.
Do too much of this this however & impulse generation suffers.
"Elastic" jumpers = less displacement of the CoM, fast trainsition to concentric phase.
Do too much of this this however & impulse generation suffers.
5
Large eccentric impulse means more work in the braking phase & the athlete arrives at concentric phase w/ more active state or MU recruitment
"Strong", controlled jumpers: larger RoM , more force over time.
But too much impulse = too much contraction time & jump ht plateaus.
"Strong", controlled jumpers: larger RoM , more force over time.
But too much impulse = too much contraction time & jump ht plateaus.
6
The best athletes balance the two relative to their unique profile
High eRFD: rapid force onset, reflexive contributions
Sufficient eIMP: enough time under tension to build up and apply force
Result: efficient stretch–shortening, high take-off velocity, big jump heights
High eRFD: rapid force onset, reflexive contributions
Sufficient eIMP: enough time under tension to build up and apply force
Result: efficient stretch–shortening, high take-off velocity, big jump heights
