For many track and field coaches and athletes, the long jump is an event that is viewed simply as a run and a jump. While that's the basic premise of it, there's a bit more to it than that.
Did you know that athletes don't need to be incredibly fast to jump far? Obviously the faster the better, but there are other elements that come into play when it comes to doing the long jump.
There are actually four different elements or phases to this event.
Focus
The takeoff
Movements in the air (flight)
The landing
Focus
More than any other phase of the long jump, focus is the most important. Without constant focus, you will definitely limit your distance. Not only that, you will commit many more mistakes than you would like.
All the new athletes go out and try to run down the track as fast as possible. Contrary to what most coaches and athletes think, this is the wrong way to run.
The approach should be executed as a gradual acceleration. There should be a slower start-up and then it should gradually accelerate to a controllable top speed just before take-off. Basically slow to fast motion.
It should be gradual and smooth!
Gradual acceleration is what will develop consistency in focus and give you the best chance of reaching those maximum distances.
The takeoff
Another important aspect of the long jump pits approach that is often overlooked is the last two steps. These steps are important because, if done correctly, they will allow you to transition to actual takeoff as quickly as possible.
The penultimate step or what is known as the penultimate step, allows the athlete to lower the body and recover just before take-off.
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