Question

In order to reach as high as possible in a vertical jump, what position should an athlete adopt at takeoff and at the peak of the jump? (Hint which body position will result in the greatest distance between the fingertips and the CG at the peak of the jump?)

Answer 1

At the start of the jump the knees are slightly bent to provide a better push when you takeoff. Also it keeps the center of gravity slightly lower that when standing straight up (you can't jump high standing straight up, you have to bend you knees to achive that jump). An optimal angle for knee bend will give the highest lift.

For the greatest distance between the fingertips and CG of the body, you have to be able to lower the CG of the body. A lower CG means more mass is to be distributed in the lower sections. Standing straight would help in keeping the mass distribution lower and thus nearer to earth.