Long Jump Technique
In the long jump, the aim is to cover the greatest possible distance with a single jump after a run-up. You take off from a take-off board and land in a sandpit filled with moist sand. The front edge of the board is the take-off line and must not be touched during take-off. The distance is measured from the take-off line to the mark in the sand that is closest to the line. For a successful long jump, you need not only explosive jumping power, but also sprint speed in the run-up and good coordination at take-off. Long jump is a fixed part of school sports and youth athletics competitions.
The right equipment for the sandpit
The key element of a good long jump facility is the take-off board. It must be set flush into the ground and made of a solid material that also provides excellent grip for spike shoes. You can choose between wood, rubber and synthetic materials. The classic option is a wooden long jump board. Thanks to their rigidity, wooden boards offer a more direct and dynamic take-off than rubber boards. Rubber take-off boards, however, are more durable and maintenance-free – an excellent choice for schools and clubs. Competitive athletes usually prefer harder take-off boards. Here we recommend premium boards made from a special synthetic blend. With their outstanding take-off characteristics and long service life, they combine the benefits of both rubber and wood. Whether wood, rubber or special synthetic: at Sport-Thieme you’ll find a range of take-off boards ideal for both long jump training and competition.
Sandpit covers: Tailor-made protection for your pit
For reliable protection against dirt and blown sand, we recommend having a custom sandpit cover made for your facility. This way, the entire pit is fully covered and effectively protected. In the Sport-Thieme online shop, you can order a sandpit cover made from waterproof mesh fabric. Simply specify the required length and width. For optimum protection, add 20 cm overlap to both length and width (10 cm on each side). To prevent the wind from lifting the cover or animals from getting underneath, order matching ballast accessories such as a steel chain, steel cable or ballast bags at the same time. Find everything you need for successful long jump in schools and clubs here in the athletics shop from Sport-Thieme.