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Glite Dictionary
↔️ Opposite motion ⚖️ Opposing group 🏃 Jump preparation
countermovement

countermovement

6.8
A quick downward body move before a jump to increase power
  • noun
  • /ˈkaʊntərˌmuːvmənt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : contramovimiento
  • To maximize power, the gymnast practiced a downward countermovement before each vault.

Examples

  • This test requires the participant to stand behind a starting line and perform a countermovement just before jumping forward as far as possible.

    Academic text (2012)

  • The athlete executed a quick countermovement before leaping into the air for the high jump.

  • During the dance routine, she incorporated a swift countermovement to enhance her performance.

How Deep

squat
53 2.5
to crouch
65 1.8
countermovement
  • Specialized
6.8
to dip
41 2.7
to bend
194 1.0

Surface Forms

countermovement singular
countermovements plural

Morphology

countermovement = movement (transparent) = counter + move + ment

In biomechanics 'counter-' (opposite/against) + 'movement' (a bodily motion) yields the predictable meaning of a preparatory opposite motion.

Etymology

Countermovement is made of counter ('opposite' or 'against') plus movement ('movement' or 'to move'). So in sport it means the quick downward motion that is opposite the jump, and this opposite move helps make the jump stronger.