BIOMECHANICAL STUDIES ON TRIPLE JUMP TECHNIQUES: THEORETICAL CONSIDERATIONS AND APPLICATIONS

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to summarise some most recent studies on the biomechanics of the triple jump. A linear relationship between the loss in the horizontal velocity and the gain in the vertical velocity during three support phases was found for individual athletes. Optimisation models were developed for determining optimum phase ratio and the actual distance with a given phase ratio for any given athlete. A biomechanical model of free limb motions was developed to determine the effects of free limb motions on the performance of the triple jump. The relationship between the loss in the horizontal velocity and the gain in the vertical velocity during support phases has a significant effect on the optimum phase ratio and the actual distance with optimised phase ratio. The free limb motions are associated with the gain in the vertical velocity and loss in the horizontal velocity. Optimum arm swing techniques for the triple jump were determined based on the functions of free limb motions.