Influence of Takeoff and Landing Displacement Strategies on Standing Long Jump Performance

Takeoff and Landing Strategies during Standing Long Jumps

Abstract

We evaluated the influence of takeoff and landing distance contributions to measured jump distance during the standing long jump (SLJ). Twenty male soccer players performed three SLJs while ground reaction force data (GRF) were obtained. The horizontal distances created by lower body position (D_BODY) prior to takeoff (D_TO) and landing (D_LA) were calculated. Ratios for D_TO (R_TO) and D_LA (R_LA) were calculated relative to standing height, quantifying the proportion of measured jump distance (D_JUMP) created during each phase. Variables were compared using dependent t-tests (α=0.05) and effect sizes (ES; large>1.2). Pearson correlations determined the relationships among variables. R_LA was greater than R_TO (p<0.001). D_LA was greater than D_TO (p<0.001). Very large ES were detected between R_TO and R_LA and D_TO and D_LA (ES≥2.53). Near perfect correlations were identified between D_TO and R_TO (r=0.96; p<0.001) and D_LA and R_LA (r=0.99; p<0.001). Strong correlations were identified between D_JUMP and R_LA (r=0.63; p=0.003) and D_BODY and D_JUMP (r=0.70; p<0.001). It is concluded that D_LA more greatly influences the total distance measured during the SLJ versus D_TO. These results highlight athletes’ strategy to maximize jump distance (flight distance plus the distances prior to takeoff and landing) during SLJ tests.