PREDICTORS OF HORIZONTAL VELOCITY IN THE TAKEOFF OF THE LONG JUMP

Of the four types of jumping events in track and field (long jump, triple jump, high jump, and pole vault), the approach for the long jump and triple jump is a purposeful preliminary to the projection of the body for horizontal distance. Collegiate athletes are often asked to perform in multiple events because ofthe importance of team scoring. A common two event combination is the long jump and triple jump since both events' prime objective is to project the body for maximum horizontal distance. Although takeoff technique differs between the two events, the long jump and triple jump combination share horizontal velocity as the most important parameter in determining the distance achieved (Adams, 1975; Bosco, 1976; Brancazio, 1984; and Kreighbaum and Barthels, 1985).