Requirements Of The Triple Jump
Warning... The Triple Jump is... a) Hell on your body b) Awkward c) Challenging d) All of the above Thats right... (d) All Of The Above. There are so many ways to describe this event, but those pretty much tell the story. To be successful, means being able to balance these demands. The great thing is... With the proper drills, the demands can be managed. On the other hand, if they are not handled correctly,injuries will occur! That is why it important to focus on the correct technique. Just as in the high jump, long jump, and pole vault, if the physical demands of the event are not overcome, there will be no improvement. What's Important Knowing where to focus your effort in the triple jump is very important. Since the physical demands are so high, a strong combination of... balance, strength, and speed, are required. These are crucial! Without these elements, the key phases in the event begin to fall apart. Speaking of key phases, the most important, the one that gives life to the rest of the event... is the approach. It is critical to the success of the triple jump. It has to be...no... it is required that it is consistent! Consistency = Success! As for the other key phases, what are they? Glad you asked. They are...
This is where the action takes place! It is also where the event gets its name from. In these three jump phases, the hop (1st phase), and jump (third phase), are relatively easy. 
It is the step phase (2nd phase) that is the most challenging. The leg being used in the second phase has to be able to absorb a tremendous amount of force upon landing. As this happens the body is shocked upon impact. It needs to transfer this energy somewhere, and needs to do it fast. This is where the athlete learns to transfer their momentum efficiently so they can keep moving down the runway. If not, the knee will buckle, and the jump will not be completed. Basically, the body has to learn how to absorb and transfer upwards of 20 times its own body weight on one leg. As an athlete advances, the forces they have to manage will increase. If all this sounds difficult to do...it is. If not done properly, injuries can occur. That is why balance, strength, and speed, are so important. Proper training can't be emphasized enough! It takes a lot of specific drills, a good amount of time, and steady practice to feel comfortable with the event. As time passes and the training is done, the pieces will come together nicely. It is then, that significant results will take place. Speaking of results, here are the Men's and Women's triple jump results from the 2008 Olympics. As an athlete, seeing results will be a good motivation to train harder. It will help develop other ways to improve distances. It is at this point that refinements in the phases will be needed. Practice time needs to be used efficiently! Be aware that caution is needed at this stage. Overtraining is possible, and injuries can occur... So be careful... And take the time that is needed. It is important to make sure that the triple jump is performed correctly. To do that, there needs to be an understanding of the event. Beginning that process starts here. Sign Up for the Farther And Higher E-Zine here.
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