How to Coach the Triple Jump

Understanding the feel and rhythm of the triple jump helps with coaching the sport. While you can scientifically break down the moves it takes to launch yourself into the air, there is an intangible that can only be understood if you have competed in the sport yourself. Timing is key, pace is vital and rhythm is golden in this track and field sport. Coaches must understand the scientific, as well as the physical aspects, to be able to coach a world-class triple jumper.

Instructions

    • 1

      Begin instruction by teaching your student a whole-part-whole philosophy. This means your novice jumper needs to develop kinesthetic awareness of the complete movement before he can attempt a jump.

    • 2

      Give the athlete detailed feedback about his first jumps. Ask him what he thinks he can do better. This will help the athlete break down the jump and allow him to identify a way to improve. Once you discuss the jumps, move on to a drill.

    • 3

      Line the athlete at the goal line of a sports field. Tell him the two correct ways of using his feet in a triple jump: left, left, right, together or right,right, left, together. Together, refers to both feet striking the ground at the same time, while right and left refers to the respective feet.

    • 4

      Have your athlete experiment with both launching patterns and let him choose his favorite. The athlete should stick with his preference, unless he absolutely feels he should change.

    • 5

      Stand about 10 yards in front of your student, tell him to to raise his right leg and balance on his left.

    • 6

      Have him hop on his left foot once and then launch from the right foot immediately when the left foot lands. Once his right foot lands, he should then hop once more on the same foot and land on both feet.

    • 7

      Repeat the process starting with the other foot. Keep repeating the process until the athlete chooses which foot to launch from. Allow him a 5-yard run up with the hopping patterns, then a 10-yard run-up.

    • 8

      Emphasize the strike pattern.