Can Triple Jumpers Really Use An Even Ratio Strategy?

Article Abstract Below

TRACK TECHNIQUE, Summer 1994, NO. 128 pp.3882-3886 and 3906-3907.

Clifford Larkins,
The University of Michigan, USA and

Melvin R. Ramey
University of California, Davis, USA

            The purpose of this study was to show through the use of the equations of motion that it may not be possible for triple jumpers to use the even phase ratio strategy during competition. The vertical takeoff velocities for an actual 17.79 m triple jump were compared to the vertical takeoff velocities calculated for a hypothetical situation in which the same athlete produced the same distance using equal phase distances. It is shown that in order to produce the same distance using the even ratio strategy the jumper would have to produce a vertical velocity for the step phase which is excessively large even for elite jumpers. For this reason, coaches should not expect their jumpers to attain equal phase distances during competition. The practice of teaching novices the concept of even ratios is necessary, however, because it highlights for them the importance of lengthening the difficult step phase while maintaining rhythm. On the other hand, the training of skilled jumpers should focus on improving each phase individually and not on the attainment of fixed phase ratios.