One of the easiest things for a triple jumper to do if they want to increase their personal best in the triple jump is to increase the length of their runup so they get more speed. However, as the athlete increases their speed, it becomes more difficult for them to control the speed through the different phases of the triple jump. Additionally, if their triple jump run-up is too long, the athlete may start to fatigue and decelerate when approaching the triple jump board.
Given theses factors, what lengths should be recommended for the athlete?
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Jonathan Edwards used an 18 stride approach.
This allowed Jonathan Edwards to maximise his velocity and carry it through the triple jump phases. Although this run-up length should only be attempted once the athlete has learned to control their hops and bounds at a very high velocity. The athlete will need to be advanced to be able to attempt this approach.
7 – 11 stride approach.
These usually give the athlete enough speed and control to transition through the different phases of the triple jump.
13 or 15 stride approach.
The athlete should attempt this run-up length after they have become comfortable with controlling their triple jump phases with a smaller run-up approach. The increase in acceleration strides will automatically add increased distance to their triple jump performance.
Things to keep in mind.
The athlete needs to remain in control when doing the triple jump. If their form breaks down whilst attempting the longer run-up, revert back to the shorter run-up.
How do you measure your triple jump runup?
There are 2 effective methods.
You measure it with measuring tape.
This is the most accurate method. Keep a 50m measuring tape on you if you take longer than 15 strides. If you don’t have one, you can purchase one on Amazon.
You measure it with your footsteps.
You will run out to your mark of 9,11,15 or 17 strides and you will measure it with your footsteps to the board. This will allow you to keep your runup consistent even if you don’t have a measuring tape available.
Useful resource: The horizontal jumps: Planning for development.
What do you struggle with when doing triple jump?
Choose your triple jump weakness!
Don’t know how to triple jump properly?
What are your triple jumping goals?
- I want to be the best triple jumper at school?
- I want to be the best triple jumper in my state?
- I want to be the best triple jumper in my country!
Protect yourself from injury in the triple jump.
One of the common injuries that triple jumpers get is a bruised heel. Once you get this, it makes it more difficult to improve your triple jump performance since you will get pain every time you land on your foot. And it will knock your confidence.
To help minimize the risk of getting a bruised heel, you can get heel protection insoles for your shoes.
Note – This post contains affiliate links, however the opinions are my own.

Want to get faster and more powerful so you can improve your triple jump performance?
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Below are items that you should purchase and incorporate into your triple jump development program so you can improve your jumping distance in the next 3 months.
Protect yourself from injury in the triple jump.
One of the common injuries that triple jumpers get is a bruised heel. Once you get this, it makes it more difficult to improve your triple jump performance since you will get pain every time you land on your foot. And it will knock your confidence.
To help minimize the risk of getting a bruised heel, you can get heel protection insoles for your shoes.

You can click here to buy some heel insoles.
Asics triple jump pro athletics shoes
Specialized triple jump shoes will give you added protection and comfort on your foot and especially around your heel. If you are doing triple jumps that require you to handle alot of force on your jumps (Typically when you start jumping over 13 metres), then you will need to invest in triple jump spikes.

Click here to buy these triple jump shoes on VS Athletics.
Improve your triple jump training.
Improve your triple jump (For beginners only)

If you are fairly new to the triple jump, this ebook will help you with training insights to get you to the intermediate level quickly. You will definitely improve by at least 30 cm, however you should see yourself improve by 1-2m over the next 12 months.

If you are intermediate or advanced in triple jump, then you will want the knowledge and guidance from elite-level triple jumpers and coaches.
Buy the series from World Class Triple Jump series to take your triple jump performances to the elite level.
Click here to buy it on Championship Productions.

Learn about the mentality from triple jump world record holder Jonathan Edwards in his book “A time to jump.”
Click here to buy the book on Amazon.
Would you like to improve your sprinting speed?
You can buy the following items to help you greatly improve your sprinting speed and performance.
Clyde Hart’s Speed Development

Clyde Hart is the mastermind behind Michael Johnson’s 200m/400m double at the Atlanta Olympics back in 1996, where Michael Johnson ran 19.32s for the 200m and 43.49s in the 400m.
The training focuses on developing speed endurance to help you run faster.
This training is for advanced athletic sprinters.
Click here to buy it on Championship Productions.

If you want to excel in your sprinting performance, you need to train well. But to train well, you need to fuel your body with the carbohydrates, proteins, and fats that will allow you to excel.
Click here to get the nutrition guidance required to take your performance to the next level.
Want to run 10.99s or faster in the 100m?

Get the complete sprinting program that will help you achieve this.
Click here to buy the sprinting program.
Just starting your sprinting journey?

If you are a beginner to sprinting, use this guide to help you improve your speed and power instantly.
How to run faster (For beginners only!)
Want to see more items that can help you with your athletic performance?
Click here to see the items on the shop on Fastrunning.club

Get a free “Triple jump cheat sheet” to beat your personal best in the triple jump!

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