Research has highlighted that prepubescent males and females will perform a deep two footed jumps with very similar movement patterns (deep knee bends on landing). After this point however there has been indications that the female deep knee bend on landing disappears. There are several theories as to why this may occur, however, if this is true then it becomes imperative that we train the deep landing, along with correct jumping techniques for both movement efficiency and for injury prevention.
The dominant quad (quadriceps muscle - front of leg) versus hamstring (muscles at the back of the leg) development in females has also been noted as a possible contributor to ACL (knee) damage. A deep knee bend upon landing activates the hamstrings, thus strengthening them (narrowing the quad to hamstring dominance in strength). When an athlete does not bend the knees on landing they control the landing with their quadriceps, thus continuing to strengthen them, creating a greater quad dominance over hamstrings.
Within this very simple exercise the players are asked to control both the landing and the jump*. The QUALITY or HOW they complete the movement is the focus not HOW FAST they can complete the movement.
* A jump involves a take off and landing with two feet whereas a hop (which we show in other videos) involves a take off and landing on the same foot.
