REFLECTIONS

 I was watching the different Athletics National Trials in different countries, and it surprised me that the qualities of the techniques of the triple jumpers are really poor. I know that out there, there are so many good coaches that they work really hard to have results, but I still think that we are more focused on having results too quickly, and we forget that in this discipline, the athlete needs time to prepare for any competition.

I am speaking here for the two groups both men and women.

I still see athletes with a fast approach, and they attack the board really well, but the transition to the step is poor, so when they have to make the final jump, they don`t make a good distance. Also they have no rhythm, and without the rhythm it is impossible to have time and space between the jumps. When you have time and space, that means that the reaction on the ground is good, and if your technique is good you have to be available to jump well. 

  

Another thing, if you are a young talented athlete, and according to you, you train really hard, it is not possible that you for three consecutive years still jump the same distance or less. In Triple jump you have to train hard to achieve any centimeter but it does not mean that you cannot improve your PB every year. Professional athletes try to stay consistent, when the jump over 17m it’s just a matter of keeping the rhythm to improve the distance.   If you are a young athlete and you still jump the same distance for 2 or 3 years, you need to talk with your coach and try to find out what is the problem.

If you as a young athlete want to be a professional athlete, the first thing that you have to do is work to improve your technique, be patient and be smart. 

A good technique gives you the ability and agility to improve your jumps and the ability to avoid injury. It also gives you the power to practice for longer in this discipline ,and helps to keep you in good  health.

In the next Blog entry, in response to so many people asking me about the subject, I will be discussing the transition between hop and step.