Ball is inching towards the boundary for a four; it is about to bounce twice on the racquetball court; it is flying to second consecutive ace - What do you do? Do you jump (throw yourself forward) like this is the last run/point of the game and if you loose it you loose the match? Or, do you put in all your effort you can and run towards it?

Me, if it is not the last point of the match I almost never jump - partly because I am afraid I will break every bone in my body and my prescription glasses I like so much and partly because I think its usually not the most effective way to take that shot. Lets ignore cricket for a while, but in racquetball, I know I will have a better control of the ball if I reach it running rather than being half suspended in air - to meet my fate - the shinny wooden floor moments later!

“There is an art to flying, or rather a knack. The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss. Clearly, it is this second part, the missing, that provides the difficulties” - If only I can remember this every time I jump!

But I have seen people on the court who jump all the time. Countless times I have thought to myself while watching a cricket match, why did that stupid guy jump - he could have easily reached there and not miss the catch and at times - he is such a chicken, he should have just jumped, our team sucks!

Do you jump consciously, or you just do it because you are wearing Nike? When is jumping (throwing yourself forward), more efficient than running?