Introduction 

The purpose of the present study was to analyze long jump take-off leg technique in young athletes: angular metatarsal, ankle and knee joint speeds in the sagittal plane in braking and propulsive phases or cushioning-support-propulsive phases. These parameters have never been evaluated previously.

Methods 

Twelve male athletes (age 16.4 ± 2.3 years) performed a total of 60 jumps that were analyzed during a training session. The following long-jump parameters were obtained by videoanalysis (Dartfish TeamPro): angular metatarsal, ankle and knee speed in cushioning, support and propulsive phases; long jump training distance (LJTD). A Pearson correlation was performed among foot contact time, braking, cushioning, support time of center of mass, all angular joint speeds and LJTD (P < 0.05).

Results 

Cushioning phase was significantly correlated with LJTD (r = ­0.28). Angular metatarsal speed in support phase (r = 0.27), angular knee speed in cushioning phase (r = ­0.3), angular knee speed in propulsive phase (r = 0.43) were significantly correlated with LJTD.

Discussion 

The results of the present study demonstrate that cushioning is an important parameter to take into consideration during long jump take-off. Moreover angular metatarsal speed and angular knee joint speed have already been shown to be important parameters while evaluating technique in jumpers (Mampieri, 2011).

References 

Mampieri L., Piacentini M.F. (2011) Take-off analysis in young male long jumpers. IPSPALC, Rome, 2011.