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

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 (DBODY) prior to takeoff (DTO) and landing (DLA) were calculated. Ratios for DTO (RTO) and DLA (RLA) were calculated relative to standing height, quantifying the proportion of measured jump distance (DJUMP) 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. RLA was greater than RTO (p<0.001). DLA was greater than DTO (p<0.001). Very large ES were detected between RTO and RLA and DTO and DLA (ES≥2.53). Near perfect correlations were identified between DTO and RTO (r=0.96; p<0.001) and DLA and RLA (r=0.99; p<0.001). Strong correlations were identified between DJUMP and RLA (r=0.63; p=0.003) and DBODY and DJUMP (r=0.70; p<0.001). It is concluded that DLA more greatly influences the total distance measured during the SLJ versus DTO. These results highlight athletes’ strategy to maximize jump distance (flight distance plus the distances prior to takeoff and landing) during SLJ tests.