Which Take-Off Board Should a Triple Jumper Use?

First of all, stay safe, disinfect surfaces around you at home and work, wash hands for at least 20 seconds and be sure to cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing.

In most triple jump competitions the jumper has a choice of either 2 or 3 take-off boards to jump from. In high school its usually 2-3 take-off boards and 2 boards at the collegiate level. Choosing the correct board is a very important aspect of the triple jump. Choosing a board that is too far from the sandpit will/may cause the triple jumper anxiety as they may not make it into the sandpit. Conversely, choosing a board that’s too close may cause the triple jumper anxiety too, as they do not want to come so close to the end of the runway and land on the edge of it or in the sandpit at the end of their step phase.

Here are some basic guidelines for choosing the right board. If a triple jumper jumps below 34′, they should use a 24′ board. A jumper who is able to jump between 34′ to 39′ should use a 28′ or 30′ board. A jumper who is able to jump 40′ to 46′ should use a 32′ to 34′ board. A jumper who is able to jump 47′ to 52′ should use a 38′ to 40′ board. a  jumper who can jump 52′ plus, should go from a 42′ board. The above boards are basic estimates as each athlete and their coaches will know best from which board to jump from.

Michael G. Helps You Train For The Triple Jump

Mike coaches high school, collegiate, open and Masters’s triple jumpers. His jumpers have won numerous individual titles over a span of thirty-plus years. He has coached over fifty athletes in the jumps and sprints to All-American status throughout his coaching career. Mike was inducted into the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges (NWAACC) Hall of Fame for track and field in 2011. Some of Mike’s former athletes are now successful coaches at the high school and collegiate levels.

Great News! Michael G (Mike) Is offering his Triple Jump Video Texting Service once again! Here’s how it works; send Mike a video text of each jump, he’ll look at it and send you a text right back with information on what to do to jump farther on your next attempt! Click to learn more about his Triple Jump Video Texting Service.