A good Cycle, defines amplitude, altitude and distance and it keeps the jump always horizontal when the athlete keeps the knee horizontal. To have a good result, the triple jumper must always keep the hip up and raise the knee to the horizontal level (90°). When the flight reaches the required distance, the athlete has to start to open the legs to 130° so you can put the hip in to the centre point of gravity to avoid a break down. This makes a good transition for the second jump.
If the knee is at 90 degrees and there is a
good coordination between arms and leg, the athlete will keep a perfect rhythm and
body control. When you are available to meet these requirements mostly you can
maintain the speed in the transition for the next two jumps.
Maintaining
the speed between the jumps is the most difficult thing for the triple jumper, therefore
it is so important to work really hard to perform a good cycle with the hop.
I
want to say, for me it is understandable that even when athletes have their own
coach, he has to go to the internet to see how he has to improve the cycle in
the hop. If this happens to you, the first thing you have to do is talk to your
coach and analyse very well where the problem is.
Well,
it is hard to say this but if your coach can’t help you to perfect the
technique, then I think you have to start thinking about finding a new coach,
who has more knowledge about Triple Jump.
In part II, I will talk
about body position, speed and drive after it hits the ground.
