Jan Boklöv became famous for introducing the V-style in ski jumping competition. Instead of keeping his skis nearly parallel, Boklöv spread their tips apart during flight, forming a V shape.
The technique initially looked unconventional, and judges sometimes marked Boklöv down for style. However, aerodynamic testing and competition results showed that the V position produced substantially more lift than the older parallel style. Boklöv won the overall World Cup in the 1988–89 season.
By the early 1990s, the V-style had become standard among elite ski jumpers. The change affected judging, equipment, and coaching because jumpers could travel farther while maintaining a stable flight position.
The technique is distinct from the Telemark landing. Telemark describes the landing position, with one ski placed ahead of the other, while V-style describes the skis’ position in the air.