Have you ever watched the Olympic Games and been amazed by the athleticism of the athletes competing in track and field events? One of the most impressive events is the long jump, where competitors run down a runway and launch themselves into the air, trying to jump as far as possible. However, there’s a related event that gets less attention but is equally impressive: the broad jump.
What is a broad jump, you might ask? It’s a track and field event where an athlete runs down a runway and jumps as far as possible without the aid of any equipment. Unlike the long jump, where athletes have a specific takeoff board they must jump from, in the broad jump, they can jump from anywhere on the runway. The only rule is that the athlete must land in a sandpit. Sounds easy, right? Think again.
The broad jump requires an incredible amount of speed, power, and coordination. Athletes must sprint down the runway, hit the board at the right angle, launch themselves into the air, and then use their arms and legs to generate maximum distance. It’s a test of explosiveness and technique, making it one of the most exciting events in track and field. So, whether you’re a die-hard sports fan or simply looking for a new activity to try, the broad jump is a thrilling event to watch or participate in.
Definition of a Broad Jump
A broad jump, also known as the standing long jump, is a track and field event in which a person stands at a designated takeoff point and attempts to jump as far as possible in a horizontal direction. This event is often included in physical fitness tests and is also a popular exercise for improving explosive power in the legs.
- The athlete starts behind a line, usually a designated board or tape, with both feet behind it.
- The athlete then jumps as far as possible horizontally.
- The distance from the takeoff line to the furthest point the athlete lands is recorded.
Athletes typically use a two-foot takeoff technique, although a one-foot takeoff is also allowed. The athlete is not allowed to take a running start or step over the takeoff line before the jump. The broad jump is often used as a measure of athletic ability and explosiveness, with longer jumps indicating greater power and speed.
Various factors such as technique, strength, and flexibility can affect the distance achieved in a broad jump. Coaches often work with athletes to improve their form and technique, as well as to strengthen the muscles involved in the jump. In some cases, technology such as force plates and motion capture systems may be used to analyze an athlete’s jump and identify areas for improvement.
Similarities and Differences between Long Jump and Broad Jump
Both long jump and broad jump are field events in track and field competitions. They are both jumping events where the athletes attempt to jump as far as they can from a designated starting point. However, despite the similarities, there are significant differences between the two events.
Similarities
- Both events require the athlete to run up to a takeoff point before jumping.
- The jumping technique for both events involves extending the athlete’s legs in front of them and lifting their body up and forward.
- Both events require a landing, which must be made within the designated landing area.
Differences
The key differences between the two events are the run-up distance, the takeoff angle, the landing area, and the focus of the event.
- Run-up distance: In long jump, the run-up distance is much longer than in broad jump. Athletes have a runway of 40-60 meters to build up their speed before takeoff. In broad jump, the runway length is much shorter, with the athletes starting just a few meters before the takeoff point.
- Takeoff angle: In long jump, the athlete maintains a lower takeoff angle, around 20-25 degrees. This allows them to cover a greater distance. In contrast, in broad jump, the athlete takes off at a higher angle of around 45 degrees, which allows them to achieve height and distance at the same time.
- Landing area: The landing area for the long jump is a pit filled with sand. Athletes must land within the designated area, or their jump will be disqualified. In broad jump, there is a padded matting covering the landing area, which provides a safer landing surface.
- Focus of the event: The primary focus of long jump is to achieve distance, while the primary focus of broad jump is to achieve both distance and height simultaneously.
Conclusion
While long jump and broad jump share some similarities, the differences in the events have an impact on the techniques used by the athletes. Understanding these differences can help athletes to choose which event to specialize in and also to appreciate the unique challenges and skills required in each event.
| Long Jump | Broad Jump |
|---|---|
| Run-up distance: 40-60 meters | Shorter run-up distance |
| Takeoff angle: 20-25 degrees | Takeoff angle: 45 degrees |
| Landing: sand pit | Landing: padded matting |
| Primary focus: distance | Primary focus: distance and height |
When comparing long jump and broad jump, it is clear that the events differ in several ways. Each event requires a unique set of skills and techniques, making them exciting to watch and challenging to compete in.
Techniques for a Successful Broad Jump
The broad jump, also known as the standing long jump, is a powerful exercise that requires explosive strength, proper technique, and coordination. With practice and dedication, anyone can learn how to perform a successful broad jump. In this article, we will discuss three key techniques that can help you improve your form and maximize your performance.
- Arm Swing: The arm swing is a crucial component of the broad jump, as it helps generate momentum that can propel the body forward. To execute a proper arm swing, start with your arms extended behind you and move them forward as you jump. Your arms should be bent at a 90-degree angle, and your hands should reach your hip level. Keep your arms close to your body, and avoid swinging them too far out or back.
- Jumping Technique: The jumping technique is also a crucial part of the broad jump, as it determines how much distance you can cover. To jump effectively, push off the ground with both feet, extend your legs fully, and jump as far forward as possible. Avoid jumping too high, as this can reduce your momentum and lead to a shorter jump. Keep your head up and your back straight, and focus on covering as much ground as possible.
- Landing: The landing is the final component of the broad jump, and it is important to land with proper form to avoid injury and achieve maximum distance. After jumping, extend your legs forward and prepare to land on the balls of your feet, with your knees slightly bent. As you land, absorb the impact by pushing your hips back and lifting your heels. Try to land as smoothly as possible, and avoid landing on your heels or with your legs locked in an extended position.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are several common mistakes that people make when performing the broad jump, which can reduce their performance and increase their risk of injury. Some of these mistakes include:
- Starting too close to the jumping line.
- Bending the arms too much during the arm swing.
- Jumping too high instead of forward.
- Landing on the heels instead of the balls of the feet.
- Locking the legs in an extended position during landing.
To avoid these mistakes, it is important to practice your form and technique regularly and seek feedback from a coach or experienced athlete. By identifying and correcting these common mistakes, you can improve your performance and reduce your risk of injury.
Broad Jump Training Program
If you want to improve your broad jump performance and maximize your potential, it is important to follow a proper training program that incorporates strength, power, and speed training. Here is an example of a 12-week training program that can help you achieve your goals:
| Week | Strength Training | Power Training | Speed Training |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | 3 sets of 8 reps of squats and deadlifts twice a week. | 3 sets of 5 reps of box jumps and 3 sets of 10 reps of medicine ball slams twice a week. | 4 sets of 30-meter sprints three times a week. |
| 5-8 | 4 sets of 6 reps of squats and deadlifts twice a week. | 3 sets of 6 reps of hurdle jumps and 3 sets of 12 reps of explosive push-ups twice a week. | 5 sets of 30-meter sprints four times a week. |
| 9-12 | 5 sets of 5 reps of squats and deadlifts twice a week. | 3 sets of 8 reps of broad jumps and 3 sets of 15 reps of kettlebell swings twice a week. | 6 sets of 30-meter sprints five times a week. |
It is important to remember that this training program is just an example, and you should adjust it based on your fitness level, goals, and preferences. Also, make sure to warm up properly before each training session and cool down and stretch after each session to reduce your risk of injury and improve your recovery.
Olympic History of the Broad Jump
The broad jump, also called the long jump or the standing broad jump, has been a part of the Olympic Games since the modern Games began in 1896. It is a jumping event where the participant sprints down a runway and jumps as far as possible from a wooden board, called the takeoff board, into a sand pit. The distance is measured from the back of the takeoff board to the nearest point in the sand where any part of the athlete’s body landed.
- The first Olympic broad jump competition was held at the Athens Games in 1896.
- Athletes in the early Olympic Games used a hitch-kick technique to jump, which was later replaced by the hang technique to maximize distance.
- The United States has dominated the Olympic broad jump with 22 total gold medals in the men’s event and 9 in the women’s event as of 2021.
In 1960, Ralph Boston set a world record in the men’s long jump at the Rome Olympics with a leap of 8.35 meters. This record stood until 1968, when Bob Beamon shattered it with a jump of 8.90 meters at the Mexico City Olympics. Beamon’s record was so impressive that it was not broken until 1991 by Mike Powell, who jumped 8.95 meters at the World Championships in Tokyo.
The women’s long jump was not added to the Olympics until the 1948 London Games. In 1988, Soviet athlete Galina Chistyakova set the world record for the women’s long jump with a leap of 7.52 meters, which still stands as of 2021.
| Year | Men’s Gold Medalist | Women’s Gold Medalist |
|---|---|---|
| 1896 | Ellery Clark (USA) | N/A |
| 1900 | Meyer Prinstein (USA) | N/A |
| 1904 | Meyer Prinstein (USA) | N/A |
| 1908 | Frank Irons (USA) | N/A |
| 1912 | Albert Gutterson (USA) | N/A |
| 1920 | William Pettersson (SWE) | N/A |
| 1924 | Edward Hamm (USA) | N/A |
| 1928 | Edward Gordon (USA) | N/A |
| 1932 | Edward Gordon (USA) | N/A |
| 1936 | Jesse Owens (USA) | N/A |
| 1948 | Willie Steele (USA) | Olympia Bynam (USA) |
| 1952 | Milt Campbell (USA) | N/A |
| 1956 | Greg Bell (USA) | N/A |
| 1960 | Ralph Boston (USA) | N/A |
| 1964 | Lynn Davies (GBR) | N/A |
| 1968 | Bob Beamon (USA) | N/A |
| 1972 | Valeriy Brumel (URS) | N/A |
| 1976 | Arnie Robinson (USA) | N/A |
| 1980 | Lutz Dombrowski (GDR) | N/A |
| 1984 | Carl Lewis (USA) | N/A |
| 1988 | Carl Lewis (USA) | Jackie Joyner-Kersee (USA) |
| 1992 | Carl Lewis (USA) | Heike Drechsler (GER) |
| 1996 | Carl Lewis (USA) | Heike Drechsler (GER) |
| 2000 | Iván Pedroso (CUB) | Heike Drechsler (GER) |
| 2004 | Dwight Phillips (USA) | Tatyana Lebedeva (RUS) |
| 2008 | Irving Saladino (PAN) | Maurren Maggi (BRA) |
| 2012 | Greg Rutherford (GBR) | Brittney Reese (USA) |
| 2016 | Jeff Henderson (USA) | Tianna Bartoletta (USA) |
The broad jump continues to be a popular event in the Olympic Games, showcasing the athleticism and skill of the world’s top jumpers. While many records have been broken over the years, the Olympic history of the event remains rich and continues to inspire future generations of athletes.
Benefits of Including Broad Jumps in Your Workout Routine
Broad jumps, also known as standing long jumps, are an intense plyometric exercise that can be a valuable addition to your workout routine. Not only do they help improve explosive power and athleticism, but they also have several other benefits.
- Builds leg strength: Broad jumps primarily target the glutes, hamstrings, and quadriceps, which are all vital muscles for explosive power and running speed. Consistently performing broad jumps can lead to improved leg strength and power.
- Improves coordination: Broad jumps require coordination and proper technique. Learning how to perform broad jumps can help improve overall body coordination and control.
- Enhances cardiovascular health: Due to their high intensity, broad jumps can provide a cardiovascular workout to help improve heart health and endurance.
Aside from these benefits, broad jumps can also be an effective way to break through plateaus and improve overall athletic performance. They can be incorporated into various workout routines, such as HIIT or circuit training, and can also be used as a warm-up exercise to get the body prepared for more intense workouts.
If you’re considering adding broad jumps to your workout routine, it’s important to start slowly and focus on proper form. Begin with shorter jumps and work on landing softly and with control. As you progress, you can gradually increase the distance and intensity of your jumps.
Broad Jump Progressions
If you’re new to broad jumps, it can be helpful to start with some progressions to build up your strength and technique.
| Progression | Description |
|---|---|
| Box jumps | Practice jumping onto and off of a box or bench, gradually increasing the height to improve explosive power. |
| Standing long jump with pause | Perform a broad jump, but pause for one second upon landing before jumping again. This helps improve landing mechanics and control. |
| Broad jump and stick | After landing a broad jump, hold the landing for a few seconds before standing up. This helps improve balance and control upon landing. |
By incorporating broad jumps and their progressions into your workout routine, you can improve explosive power, build leg strength and coordination, and enhance overall athletic performance.
Famous Athletes Known for Their Broad Jump Skills
When it comes to the broad jump, there have been many athletes who have excelled in this event. In this section, we will discuss some of the most famous athletes known for their impressive broad jump skills.
- Carl Lewis: Considered one of the greatest track and field athletes of all time, Carl Lewis was known for his impressive broad jump skills. He won four Olympic gold medals in the event and set the world record with a jump of 8.79 meters.
- Mike Powell: Another American athlete, Mike Powell, holds the current world record for the broad jump with a jump of 8.95 meters. He set this record during the 1991 World Championships in Tokyo and it still stands today.
- Bob Beamon: In 1968, Bob Beamon shocked the world with his incredible jump of 8.90 meters at the Mexico City Olympics. This jump broke the previous world record by a stunning 55 centimeters and stood as the record for 23 years.
These athletes, along with many others, have inspired and amazed audiences with their incredible broad jump skills. It takes a combination of strength, speed, and technique to excel in this event, and these athletes have displayed all of these qualities and more.
For those interested in learning more about the history of the broad jump and the top performers in the event, the following table provides a brief overview.
| Athlete | Country | Distance | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bob Beamon | United States | 8.90 meters | 1968 |
| Mike Powell | United States | 8.95 meters | 1991 |
| Carl Lewis | United States | 8.79 meters | 1984 |
| Ivan Pedroso | Cuba | 8.96 meters | 1995 |
| Ralph Boston | United States | 8.38 meters | 1960 |
As you can see from the table, the broad jump has a long and impressive history filled with amazing athletes. From Bob Beamon’s record-setting jump in 1968 to Mike Powell’s current world record, the event has captured the awe and admiration of sports fans for many years.
Importance of Proper Warm-Up before Attempting a Broad Jump.
Before attempting a broad jump, it is crucial to engage in a proper warm-up routine to prepare your body for the intense activity and avoid injuries. Here are seven important warm-up exercises to perform before attempting a broad jump:
- Jumping Jacks: This exercise increases your heart rate and gets your blood flowing.
- High Knees: This exercise helps to improve your knee lift and prepares your legs for the explosive jump.
- Butt Kicks: This exercise warms up your hamstrings and glutes and helps prevent injuries.
- Leg Swings: This exercise helps to increase your hip mobility and activate your leg muscles.
- Arm Swings: This exercise involves rotating your arms in a circular motion and prepares your upper body for the jump.
- Static Stretching: This involves stretching your muscles while holding them in a static position to increase flexibility and range of motion.
- Dynamic Stretching: This involves performing controlled movements to stretch your muscles while also increasing blood flow and warming up your body.
It is important to keep in mind that a proper warm-up routine for a broad jump should not only focus on the lower body but also engage the upper body muscles. A balanced warm-up routine helps to prevent muscle imbalances that can lead to injuries.
Additionally, incorporating some form of cardio exercise during your warm-up helps to boost your endurance and prepare your body for the physical demands of the jump.
| Benefits of Proper Warm-Up for Broad Jump |
|---|
| Increases flexibility and range of motion |
| Improves muscle activation and coordination |
| Increases blood flow to muscles |
| Increases heart rate and respiratory rate |
| Prepares the body for the intense physical activity of a broad jump |
| Reduces the risk of injuries such as muscle strain or torn ligaments |
Engaging in a proper warm-up routine before a broad jump not only prepares your body for the intense activity but also reduces the risk of injuries. Remember to perform a balanced warm-up routine that engages both the lower and upper body muscles, incorporates some form of cardio exercise, and includes static and dynamic stretches to boost flexibility, coordination, and range of motion.
What is a Broad Jump Called? FAQs
1. What is a broad jump called in track and field?
In track and field, the broad jump is also known as the long jump. It involves jumping as far as possible in a horizontal direction from a running start.
2. What is a broad jump called in fitness and athletics?
In fitness and athletics, the broad jump is often referred to as a standing long jump. This refers to performing the jump from a stationary position rather than with a running start.
3. What muscles do you use when performing a broad jump?
Performing a broad jump engages a variety of muscles in the legs, including the quads, hamstrings, calves, glutes, and hip flexors.
4. What are some training exercises to improve your broad jump?
To improve your broad jump, you can incorporate exercises like squats, lunges, box jumps, and plyometric jumps into your training routine.
5. What is the world record for the longest broad jump?
The current world record for the longest broad jump is held by Mike Powell, who jumped 29 feet, 4.5 inches (8.95 meters) at the 1991 World Championships in Athletics.
6. Is the broad jump only for athletes?
No, the broad jump can be a fun and challenging exercise for anyone interested in fitness and testing their own physical capabilities.
7. How does the broad jump differ from the high jump?
The broad jump involves jumping horizontally as far as possible, while the high jump requires jumping vertically over a bar. The techniques for these two jumping events are also very different.
Closing Thoughts on What is a Broad Jump Called
Thanks for taking the time to learn about what a broad jump is called! Whether you’re training to improve your athletic abilities or just looking for a fun challenge, incorporating a standing long jump or a regular long jump into your workout routine can be a great way to test your strength, speed, and agility. Remember to always warm up properly and start with lower intensity exercises before attempting a full jump. Be safe and have fun! Don’t forget to come back for more informative articles and useful FAQs.