The long jump

1What is the long jump?

The long jump is a field event. You sprint along a runway, jump from a take-off board and fly as far as you can into a sand pit. The athlete with the longest fair jump wins.

2The four parts

1. Run-up: sprint along the runway, getting faster and faster. More speed gives a longer jump.
2. Take-off: jump from one foot on the board. Drive your other knee up and swing your arms up. If your foot goes past the end of the board (the foul line), the jump is a foul and does not count. That was Byiringiro's mistake!
3. Flight: keep your chest up and your knees up, and reach your feet forward.
4. Landing: land on both feet in the sand, bend your knees, and fall forward.

3How a jump is measured

A jump is measured from the end of the board to the mark in the sand that is nearest to the board. So if you land on your feet but then fall back and put a hand down behind you, the jump is measured to your hand. Your jump becomes shorter! That is why jumpers always fall forward.

Practise at school or at home

• Find your take-off foot: run a few steps and jump. The foot you push off from naturally is your take-off foot.
• Standing long jump: stand with both feet behind a line. Swing your arms back and bend your knees, then swing your arms forward and jump with both feet. Land on both feet. Measure with a tape, or count your foot-lengths heel to toe.
• Short run-up: start with only 5 to 7 running steps, then make the run-up longer as you get better.

Stay safe: dig and rake the sand so it is soft and flat, and check it for stones, glass and sticks. Only one jumper at a time. Everyone else waits well away from the pit.

Try it yourself

Think about each one first, then tap Show answer to check.