I coach a high school senior boy who's looking to go huge in the long jump. Is 18 strides (111'), with a rocking start, enough to get 'er done, or should I consider moving him back to 20 for the biggest meets of the year? He is very fast on the runway. 1/2 an inch more on the jump would usher in a meteor shower above the pits. How critical is this?
long jump approach distance
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Participant
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Participant
With my athletes it always comes down to when he/she reaches the highest controlled acceleration (peak velocity at that stage) and is able to execute the best transition to vertical without significant horizontal speed loss. If they're odd, it might go 19 or 21. I've had a scholastic champion go even at 18. His acceleration peak and transfer component was reached sooner than others.
Since we primarily perform our training run-ups/checkdowns on the track, we are able to time each phase of it. In most cases, it is done through videotape and playback analysis. I have no doubt that others on this forum have more effective means to determine this for you.
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Participant
I've suspected he could go farther from 20, but I'm apprehensive to try and make the change again. Last year we did some testing which indicated he arrives at peak velocity later. He is also a very strong 200m sprinter. We tried 20 strides for Nationals, but he went no better (actually a foot and a half shorter)…though we were also dealing with premature peaking issues with the training at the time. Laser timing the last 10m from a 18 stride and a 20 stride approach rang up 20 strides as being faster. Problem is, he's jumping so nicely from 18 now, I'm afraid to tamper with it, but he could sure use that extra 1/2"… Right now, he's got great intensity through the moment of departure from the board, and actually doesn't get much height off the board.
(small edit above)
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Participant
We just tested it with laser timing across the last 10m. That showed about a .03 difference at the time. This may be less precise, since it was a 10m zone, and all that matters is the moment of departure. Also, the speed traps could have been triggered by an early arm swing, I now realize.
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Participant
With my athletes it always comes down to when he/she reaches the highest controlled acceleration (peak velocity at that stage) and is able to execute the best transition to vertical without significant horizontal speed loss. If they're odd, it might go 19 or 21. I've had a scholastic champion go even at 18. His acceleration peak and transfer component was reached sooner than others.
Since we primarily perform our training run-ups/checkdowns on the track, we are able to time each phase of it. In most cases, it is done through videotape and playback analysis. I have no doubt that others on this forum have more effective means to determine this for you.
He may not be able to set up the take-off as well from 20 as 18. How much difference does the timing show?
Thank you for the input guys. I've decided to leave him at 18 strides for Saturday and not mess with things.
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Participant
…Also, the speed traps could have been triggered by an early arm swing, I now realize.
A major reason we use cones, checkpoint markers and computer/camcorder. Continued success with your athlete.
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ParticipantYou can usually add about 10-20cm on for every 2 strides added up until about 22 strides…but that also depends on strength and experience of the athlete…i think for a high school kid 18 is find, 20 is what alot of pro's use, work on 20 for next season…
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