What is the effect of a low sand pit on long jump distance? I know some places uses those hard 2″-3″ thick all weather surfaced sand pit covers which cause the sand to be at least 2″-3″ lower than ground level. What is the general effect of say a 3″ low pit on performances (how much benefit)? I have worked this out before by myself but I want to know others’ thoughts. I am just bitter because every meet we’ve gone to this year has beautiful sand at ground level while I have seen footage from some meets where it’s ridiculously low.
I agree with you guys that 1 inch down = (roughly) 2 inches more on the jump give or take the level of the athlete. Last year, my long jumper lost a significant amount of distance at a meet due to the sand being about 3 inches high.