Warm-up
Before diving into the long jump practice, it’s essential to begin with a proper warm-up. A good warm-up loosens the muscles and reduces the risk of injury. Start with light cardio exercises like jumping jacks, jogging, and skipping. This will increase your blood flow and warm up your muscles. Stretching is also crucial to help you prepare for the event. Focus on your calf muscles, quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip flexors and hold each stretch for at least 15-30 seconds.
Approach technique
To achieve a successful long jump, an athlete should have an excellent approach technique. The approach is the run-up to the take-off board, which is crucial to generate as much speed as possible when jumping. A proper approach technique consists of three main components: speed, rhythm, and control. To build your approach technique, practice running from different points in the track and focus on the rhythm of your stride. Keep your steps consistent and steady.
The take-off
The take-off is the most critical part of the long jump. It’s where you jump and launch yourself forward from the board. To achieve maximum distance in the long jump, you need to generate as much speed and power as possible before take-off. Once you approach the take-off board, make sure to plant your foot on the board correctly. Stay on the balls of your feet and avoid landing flat-footed. Swing your arms and jump powerfully, projecting your body forward.
Flight technique
After the take-off, an athlete enters what is known as the ‘flight phase’. The flight phase is where an athlete tries to maintain the momentum and height generated from the take-off. Keep your body aligned and relaxed, with your arms held at your sides, and focus on maintaining a stable and consistent body position. Extend your legs as far as you can and lean your body forward slightly.
Landing
The landing is the final aspect of the long jump technique. It’s where an athlete lands after their jump. Ideally, athletes should aim to land with their feet ahead and their hips low to the ground. After landing, roll forward to avoid any injuries.
Improve your power and speed
To practice the long jump, athletes also need to work on their speed and power. This involves doing strength training exercises, plyometrics, and explosive movements to increase their overall strength and explosive power.
Strength training exercises such as squats, deadlifts, and lunges, help increase leg and core strength. Plyometric exercises like box jumps, squat jumps, and power skips, help develop explosive power. These exercises increase the elasticity and strength of muscle and tendons, which is essential for the long jump.
To improve speed, an athlete should perform sprints at different distances, including 40m, 100m, and 200m. Speed is critical, and it’s essential to build explosive power and improve acceleration.
Final thoughts
The long jump is an exciting athletic event that requires dedication, practice, and technique. By focusing on the proper approach, take-off, flight technique, landing, speed, and power, an athlete can develop their long jump skills. So, the next time you’re at the track, keep these tips in mind and work on mastering the long jump.