Most right handed people use their right leg as the take-off leg. T he ultimate goal of the triple jump is to land as far away from the takeoff board as possible. During training, it is easy to get bogged down in mastering the complicated movements which take place during the triple jump and lose track of this ultimate goal. Therefore, before beginning to develop the individual skills which each phase of the triple jump demands, it is important that one takes the time to understand an overall stategy for entire triple jump. T he most important thing to remember is that developing and maintaining horizontal velocity is the single most essential factor in triple jumping.
Horizontal speed is developed during the run-up or approach to the takeoff board.
This approach usually ranges from 13 strides for a beginning triple jumper to about 23 strides for an elite competitor. Also, while being able to achieve near-maximum speed is the ultimate goal, precision, reproducability, balance and control are equally important during the approach. The ability to strike the takeoff board without fouling during each triple jump attempt is a skill that competitors must consistently practice throughout their careers. When first learning the event, triple jumpers should use a short approach that accelerates to a controlled speed that is well below maximum. As training and technique progress, the approach can be lengthened and speed increased.