Here are a series of videos from Coaches Insider featuring Coach Brooke Rasnick (Louisville). Under each link I will provide the description from Coaches Insider.
Watch as Coach discusses the key factors of the long jump approach. Speed is always necessary and usually the good long jumpers are good overall athletes. The key factors are proper sprint mechanics and posture, smooth rhythm, achieving optimal velocity and precision to the takeoff board.
Optimal velocity is bringing the speed through the board. Help your athletes understand that the feeling of ‘popping off the board’ is not necessary as you are not jumping for height, but distance.
Watch as Coach explains that at the high school level the steps will be 12 to 18 steps total, with faster athletes using more. The athletes will run on the track multiple times without trying to establish a board. Coach will watch and mark each jumper’s steps with tape. It is easier to establish the steps this way on the track before getting on the runway.
Watch as Coach explains that some athletes steer well on the long jump approach while others do not, and that creates inconsistency. To improve steering ability, she suggests using short approach jumps from the board at practice. Ask the jumpers where they thought they were on the board and then confirm or correct. Coach explains two games, Random Start and Dice – Approach, which are a fun way to assist the jumpers in steering.
Watch as Coach Brooke Rasnick explains that the majority of the year is spent on approach and take-off mechanics. Half of the long jump training is working on the full approach. It is important for the jumper to get the approach down and feel confident in the approach.
Watch as Coach Brooke Rasnick explains that establishing a coach’s mid-mark allows them to determine where any breakdown in the athlete’s approach occurred. Coach uses six steps out, which allows them to see the mid-mark and where the athlete is on the board.
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