Elitetrack: Sport Training & Conditioning

What are people's opinions on wearing your triple jump spikes in practice—both during bounding drills, and in doing short approach jumps/technical sessions. Would wearing training flats for this be a mistake? I'm wondering if the difference in the weight of the shoe once you go to compete could alter the timing of the jump—slight, yet notable in overall performance. Should we practice jumping in spikes, the same as we'll compete in the spikes. I've gotten so comfortable with short approach practice jumps in flats, and for some reason I bonk and actually jump shorter with the same short approach practice jumps in spikes. I've grown so confident with the heavy sneakers that I've been tempted to use them in meets.  

id wear spikes during all short approach jumps.
keep the shoes for drills.

Sounds good. That's what I'll stick with, then…spikes for any and all specific work.

Other than early-to-mid GPP I'd have my jumpers in spikes. You really can't build the foot strength or simulate the same ground contacts when wearing thick healed trainers.

mike - 14 September 2006 08:20 PM

Other than early-to-mid GPP I'd have my jumpers in spikes. You really can't build the foot strength or simulate the same ground contacts when wearing thick healed trainers.

On that note, would you recommend using triple jump spikes that are less thick, as well? I'm wondering if I could get better returns from my force application through some more modest TJ spikes. I'm thinking along the lines of bigger lifts with the use of thin-soled forefoot weightlifting shoes versus thick trainers. I'm about to use some TJ spikes that are built up for shock absorption, esp. in the heels, but I don't want anything holding me back if I'm about to drop a 50 foot bomb.

On that note, would you recommend using triple jump spikes that are less thick, as well? I'm wondering if I could get better returns from my force application through some more modest TJ spikes. I'm thinking along the lines of bigger lifts with the use of thin-soled forefoot weightlifting shoes versus thick trainers. I'm about to use some TJ spikes that are built up for shock absorption, esp. in the heels, but I don't want anything holding me back if I'm about to drop a 50 foot bomb.

Dear saltojump5:
More important than the spikes, is dancing salsa before your jump hahahahaha…......(joking)
Did you got your new TJ adidas? Those are good shoes.
Give me a call and let me know how is workout going.
Take care and I hope to hear from you soon.

saltojump5 - 14 September 2006 10:35 PM

On that note, would you recommend using triple jump spikes that are less thick, as well? I'm wondering if I could get better returns from my force application through some more modest TJ spikes. I'm thinking along the lines of bigger lifts with the use of thin-soled forefoot weightlifting shoes versus thick trainers. I'm about to use some TJ spikes that are built up for shock absorption, esp. in the heels, but I don't want anything holding me back if I'm about to drop a 50 foot bomb.

I think the cons (mainly injury) would outweigh any positives you'd get from a shoe with less stability and cushioning than the little that most TJ shoes already provide. You see part of the reason that the heel is built up on the TJ spike is not just cushioning but also because it is important to build up a heel that provides a flat and stable ground contact surface to make the initial heel first contact that is so important in TJing.

OK, I'm set. Man, this time off from actual jumps is killing me. I'm getting all introspective and shit. I think too much.

That's funny! When I put shit, it comes out as shizzle. lol

Kangaroo - 15 September 2006 05:31 AM

Dear saltojump5:
More important than the spikes, is dancing salsa before your jump hahahahaha…......(joking)
Did you got your new TJ adidas? Those are good shoes.
Give me a call and let me know how is workout going.
Take care and I hope to hear from you soon.

Hey Kangaroo guy!! Welcome to the board! That's funny about the salsa. Keep working that suggestion, and I just might give in some day! I got no rhythm, man. Yeah, I got the Adidas. They're on hold, waiting to go for a ride. I'm hitting workouts something nice and looking forward to getting back with the jumps doctor. Soon and very soon I'll be bouncin' with the Kangaroos.