Sportshuddle.com's Track & Field "Ask the Expert"
How do I get a more consistent runway approach in my jumping events?

Arbogast: The high jump, vault, triple jump and long jump all require precision in approach so that the takeoff (or plant) positions can be uniform from attempt to attempt. Foremost, a complete use of a measuring tape at all competitions is paramount. An athlete who has no idea of the exact distance in her or his approach is doomed to a mediocre effort at best. Use the tape to give a baseline start mark for your approach. This baseline distance should be known to the athlete and should be marked off at each practice where full approaches are used.

The baseline "go" mark also may be supplemented with a "check" mark located several steps down the runway (or at the penultimate step). This check mark will be observed by a coach to see whether problems are developing early or late in an approach. This mark also should be well-understood and marked by the athlete.

The baseline mark will need adjustment based on several factors. Wind, fatigue and track surfacing are among the most common reasons why "go" and "check" marks are adjusted in or out. Tail winds, adrenaline or fast tracks will move marks back. Headwinds, fatigue and slow surfaces will move marks closer.

A consistent baseline mark will go quite a long way in developing consistency in approach, but the athlete needs to experiment in all conditions to be aware of how the mark will change.

Also, the high jump may require marks to be placed in two planes. Due to the nature of the "J" turn involved, the athlete needs a baseline mark placed that also includes a side component, as many jumpers will mark a distance "back" from the corner of a pit or standard, as well as a side component as they move laterally to allow for the "J" turn. This event means that winds and surfaces have to be monitored in two planes at once.

To conclude, it is also elementary that the same foot be used at start, check and takeoff (or plant) in order to ensure consistency. The same pre-jump routine of stretching and pre-event preparation has to be in place in order for consistency to occur.