Summary of Lecture on Long Jump
During our athletics cycle, we explored the long jump, a track and field event involving jumping as far as possible from a running start into a sandpit. We discussed its historical background, including its origins in ancient Greek and Roman times and its inclusion in both the ancient and modern Olympic Games. Key technical aspects of the competition were explained, including the use of the take-off board, measuring techniques, rules for a legitimate jump, and world records in the event.
Important Points from the Lecture
Historical Background
- The long jump has been practiced since ancient times, being a part of the ancient Olympic Games.
- Today, it remains a key event in the modern Olympic Games.
Technical Aspects of Long Jump
- Run-up: Athletes start with a running approach on a 40-meter long straight track.
- Take-off board:
- Located at least one meter from the edge of the sand pit, measuring 1.2 meters in length and 20 centimeters in width, painted white.
- A plasticine board follows immediately after the take-off board to record footprints if the athlete steps over it.
- Plasticine board:
- Used to detect fouls by retaining the print of the athlete’s foot; touching this results in a disqualified jump ("no mark").
- Sand pit (Landing Area):
- Measures at least 2.75 meters wide and 10 meters long.
- The surface is leveled before each jump to capture the athlete's first landing imprint clearly.
Rules and Measurement
- A jump is measured from the edge of the take-off board to the first imprint made in the sand, regardless of which body part makes the mark.
- The objective is to jump as close to the take-off line as possible to maximize length since any distance before the line is not counted.
- Fouls include touching the plasticine board, taking off from the side, "tumbling" during the jump, or using any kind of aid.
Practice Setup for Students
- In the absence of an official long jump facility, jumps will be practiced using the handball court's sandpit.
Competition Standards
- Typically, competitors are given three initial attempts, with the top eight earning an additional three attempts.
- The winner is determined by the longest legal jump recorded.
World Records
- Galina Chistyakova holds the women's world record with a jump of 7.52 meters.
- Mike Powell holds the men's world record at 8.95 meters.
Additional Notes
- Athletes use marks on the side of the track to gauge their starting point to ensure they hit the board accurately with their preferred foot.
This comprehensive overview should provide students with a clear understanding of the long jump’s mechanics, its rules, and some techniques to improve their performance.