Hi all, I told you I could talk the jumps till I'm blue in the face. I want to open up this topic with the question of how important is the hop/step transition part of the triple jump. I know this topic has been discussed in the past some, but I think it would be nice to revisit the importance of it.
The kid I've been coaching for the past two year, AJ, is now 16 years old as in an amazingly naturally talented jumper. He jump 39'11 as a freshmen, moved up to 44'8 as a sophomore and is his junior PR so for his 46'4.
The reason I think this phase or part of the jump is so important is because of what I see lacking in AJs jump and what I see in some of the professional great triple jumpers I've seen on youtube and other video sites.
Let me explain better, I'll break down the phases of AJ's 46'4 jump.
Hop = 18 feet
step = 9 feet
jump = 19 feet
I know this breakdown is crazy out of balance. The exciting thing about these phases though is AJ did not go to high on his 18 foot hop, he just has the ability to stay somewhat low but still extend out there and get a nice long hop, I think he jumps overall best when his hop is around 16-17 feet though.
I'll come back to the step!
His long jump is the best part of his triple jump, he has gone 20 feet before in this phase in some jumps where he has gone 45 feet. He has done this at least a few times. 18 feet is his average long jump distance within the triple.
OK, the step, his step averages around 9 to 11 feet. Most of the time it is around 10. It's really not that pretty though, he definitely doesn't just step out like some many triple jumpers, but his height it very low on the step and it just looks like a long stride (although his knee does reach parallel for a short time).
I strongly believe that if I can help him cycle his hop and get that hop knee close to parallel with the toes of that foot pointing toward the sky, as well as extending the lower leg getting ready for contact. If I can get him to explode into the step and hang the knee at parallel his jump could improve by a bunch right away.
In your guys opinions,
What are some drills to help with this?
How does one think about or practice holding the step knee up high for the flight of the step?
Any comments and/or advice about my above thoughts.
My goal for AJ is 48 feet this year and 50 feet by next indoor season, I truly feel he can, but it's up to me to help him get there. Hence my signature, With Great Power (knowledge of the jumps) Comes Great Responsibility (Helping my kids jump the best they can).
Once I get myself a digital video camera, I'll post his jump and let you guys break it down then
Thanks
Coach Glosser
WITH GREAT POWER COMES GREAT RESPONSIBILITY - BEN PARKER
