Cristiano Ronaldo header | The science behind CR7's jump technique

Cristiano Ronaldo header | The science behind CR7’s jump technique & leaping ability | Biomechanics, sports science, jump science | Dr. Raj, DPT details current Juventus and former Real Madrid and Manchester United superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo’s leaping ability by breaking down his four main jump techniques via the lens of biomechanics and sports jump science

Here’s a table of contents, header (sub headers):
- 0:00 Intro
- 0:29 Vertical leap (single leg power jump, two leg drop jump)
- 2:55 Horizontal leap (single leg speed jump)
- 3:43 Balanced leap (right-left step pattern 2-leg jump)
- 4:45 Horizontal thrust (two-legged jump with coordinated torso lean))
- 5:19 Fearless

For those at work or the hard of hearing, I've transcribed subtitles on YouTube so sound isn't required.

For reference, I’m a DPT (Doctor of Physio) and youth football (soccer) coach well-versed in sports science and biomechanics, and owner of 3CB Performance — online health content, telehealth services and sports rehab & performance clinics in West LA and Valencia, CA.

Feel free to hit me with questions and/or you can always find me on my website or follow on social media:

Script:

Hey it’s Raj from 3CB.

Footballing legend Cristiano Ronaldo has netted over 100 headers over the course of his sparkling career, utilizing an array of jumping techniques based on the situation at hand.

In this video, I’ll break down Cristiano’s four main jumping techniques via the lens of biomechanics and sports science and one quality that underlies them all.

Vertical leap

When Cristiano needs to rise up high and get vertical, he uses two different techniques.

1-leg power jump

The first is a one leg power jump.

He’s nearly 2.56m (8.4 feet) off the ground when he makes contact with the ball. Breathtaking.

2-leg drop jump

The second is what I call a 2 leg drop jump.

Typically, a drop jump refers to dropping off from an object and then into a jump.

Horizontal leap

Single leg speed jump

When Cristiano needs to quickly cover horizontal air space to meet the ball, he’ll frequently utilize a single legged speed jump.

Combination

Right-left two leg jump

When Cristiano’s looking for a balance of both vertical and horizontal, he’ll use a right-left patterned two leg jump

Horizontal thrust

When Cristiano aims to generate a quick thrust of power- he uses a balanced, leaning two-legged technique.

It’s like his body is shot out of a cannon and then makes contact with the ball.

Fearless

Last and certainly not least, the one quality that underlies CR7’s jumping technique and sets him apart is his fearlessness, intently attacking the ball regardless of the potential danger. This mentality allows him to coordinate and optimize his jumping technique in situations that most players hesitate and thus make plays on balls in the air that not many can make.

This quality is of course an attribute to Cristiano’s psyche but it’s also a testament to how much he trusts his training - he knows he can take and absorb spontaneous hits and come out no worse for wear.

That’s a wrap for this video. Thanks for watching. My goal is to provide you with in-depth, evidence based, narrative free analysis and you can always find me on IG and Twitter @3CBPerformance.

Please take care of yourselves and follow the appropriate precautions to limit your exposure to and spread of COVID-19. Make sure to sub to the channel and follow along on all social media for the latest updates. 3CB out.

[cbperformance]

***One clarification: Vs Sampdoria, CR7’s contact point was 2.56m. Not his actual jump height***
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All questions and your time spent watching are always appreciated.
Feel free to hit me with questions and/or you can always find me on my website or follow on social media:

[Jaskaran__Singh]

I have been looking for a video like this for more than a year .
Finally found it to be like my idol Cristiano .
Thank you so much.💪

[agbojoraphael]

This is a brilliant video. And oh my, the quality of the edit, so so good. Weldone.

[gmentertainmenttv]

So early damn but the first to learn the techniques lets gooo ⚡️💪🏾

[animateyou]

how did he get this Fearlessness... That's my quiestion =(

[josephafuwape]

Even in tough times you make good vids

[TheSchneidItworld]

wooow, that's gonna be useful, thanks!

[nodesignlaws]

Could you please analyse Kurt Zouma's jump technique?

[gmentertainmenttv]

What Muscles to train to jump high or higher than now? Calves are important too right?

[Lpnous]

5:36 the man in blue is hitting Ronaldo or I’m dreaming, the fact that he got injured after that, it can be so dangerous.

[revengesc]

which one do you recommend thhe one legged jump or drop jump

[aimibrahim]

Is it his instinct or he scientifically calculate his jump in game?