Introduction to the Long Jump

The successful long jumper requires speed as well as the ability to stride consistently. The long jumper’s goal is to sprint down the runway and hit the take-off board with his or her push-off leg without adjusting his or her stride at any time. This permits the jumper to achieve maximum speed at the take-off point.

The jumper’s take-off foot must not touch the ground beyond the take-off line, nor may the jumper’s foot take off from outside either end of the take-off board.

The jumper takes off from the board and lands in a pit that is between 2.75-3 meters wide and is filled with soft, damp sand.

Under IAAF rules, jumps are measured from the take-off line to the nearest break in the landing area made by any part of the jumper’s body.