Review: Jump To It: Techniques And Training for the Triple Jump

As a former vaulter I can relate to a lot of the technical information provided by Nathan Taylor.  Especially the importance of developing the core of the athlete to help the triple jumper to handle “the abnormal and unpredictable forces that are found in the triple jump.”  I am familiar with the core exercises he mentions.

His description of the drive phase of the run is similar to my prior vault training as well.  A forward lean while not breaking the line of force and driving out is the name of the game here.  He then discusses the continuation phase with foot strikes directly underneath the body and a dorsa-flexed toe.  So far this description is very similar to the vault.  Sled pulls are mentioned as a training method to develop this phase and we do this with our jumpers at Georgia.  I would add that 20-20-20 runs help this phase along as well.  These involve a 20-meter intense acceleration, a 20-meter stride out with front-side mechanics, and a final 20-0meter acceleration. 

The takeoff is described exactly how I have seen it coached.  Little is done to set it up.  Not much sinking or amortization and you basically have a running take-off with a low trajectory.  Taylor describes the hop as the lowest trajectory jump with the takeoff leg going back and then vigorously pulling it back through.  An active heel to toe foot contact should be seen.  I enjoyed hearing his description of the foot strikes being pulls rather than pushes in the triple jump.  This to me describes also a feeling that can be communicated to athletes. 

Taylor describes the step as beginning with a foot strike slightly in front of the hips. 

Finally, the jump is described as having he highest trajectory with the swing leg driven up hard and blocked quickly.  Also, his description of just before landing seems accurate to what I have seen coached. Block the hands and let them go overhead.  Patiently wait till just before landing pressing the palms of the hands past down the heels           

Overall, I really enjoyed the article as it confirmed many of the things I see at practice and I could relate to much of it as a former vaulter.  

Jump To It: Techniques And Training for the Triple Jump

By Nathan Taylor

 2011-2012, Volume 5, Issue Number 2, November 2011