Hum Mov Sci. 2005 Feb;24(1):81-96. Epub 2005 Feb 23.
Optimum take-off angle in the standing long jump.
Wakai M1, Linthorne NP.
School of Exercise and Sport Science, The University of Sydney, PO Box 170, Lidcombe, NSW 1825, Australia.
The aim of this study was to identify and explain the optimum projection angle that maximises the distance achieved in a standing long jump. Five physically active males performed maximum-effort jumps over a wide range of take-off angles, and the jumps were recorded and analysed using a 2-D video analysis procedure. The total jump distance achieved was considered as the sum of three component distances (take-off, flight, and landing), and the dependence of each component distance on the take-off angle was systematically investigated. The flight distance was strongly affected by a decrease in the jumper's take-off speed with increasing take-off angle, and the take-off distance and landing distance steadily decreased with increasing take-off angle due to changes in the jumper's body configuration. The optimum take-off angle for the jumper was the angle at which the three component distances combined to produce the greatest jump distance. Although the calculated optimum take-off angles (19-27 degrees) were lower than the jumpers' preferred take-off angles (31-39 degrees), the loss in jump distance through using a sub-optimum take-off angle was relatively small.
10.1016/j.humov.2004.12.001
Biomechanical Phenomena
Leg/physiology*
Locomotion/physiology*
Videotape Recording