Performance Level of Triple Jumpers from the Viewpoint of the Jumping Distance and the Velocity of the Center of Gravity

Abstract

The purposes of this study were to investigate the differences in jumping distance and velocity of the center of gravity among performance level of triple jumpers, and to suggest proper training for each performance level. The subjects were 18 triple jumpers (2 club team athletes, 5 university students, and 11 senior high-school students). The subjects were divided into 3 groups (A, B and C) according to their performance levels. The mean distances of the triple jump were 15.57±0.22m for group A (n=4), 14.85±0.13m for group B (n=4), and 13.53±0.32m for group C (n=10). The data were collected by videotaping their performance with two video cameras. The results could be summarized as follows:
(1) The difference in the total distance of the triple jump from the level of group C to that of group B was majorly due to the difference of the hop distance. The difference in the total distance of the triple jump from the level of group B to that of group A resulted from the difference of the step distance.
(2) The type of the phase ratio of group C was the balanced phase ratio, and the phase ratios of groups B and A were the hop-dominated. However, the phase ratio of group A showed a balanced tendency as compared with group B.
(3) The athletes of group C maintained the horizontal velocity during the step support phase, but they could not increase the vertical velocity largely. The athletes of group B greatly reduced the horizontal velocity during the hop support phase.
(4) The athletes of group C should increase their approach velocity and hop distance, and they have to get skilled in the takeoff in the hop phase. The athletes of group B should learn the technique to maintain their horizontal velocity during the hop support phase. The athletes of group A should focus on the sprint training to get more approach velocity, and should shift hop-dominated phase ratio to balanced one.