Effects of an inclined board as a training tool on the take-off motion of the long jump.

In this study, we investigated the effects of inclined and raised flat boards on the take-off motion of the long jump to determine the effectiveness of these boards as training tools. Eight male long jumpers were videotaped with two high-speed video cameras (250 Hz) set perpendicular to the runway. Four different jumps were performed with in four conditions, all with their medium length run-up: a long jump with their normal technique, long jumps on upward inclined boards of two different inclinations (2.5 and 5.0 degrees), and a long jump on a raised flat board (0 degrees, 50 mm). The raised flat board enhanced the pivot of the body over the take-off foot, and reduced flexion of the take-off leg knee. However, the inclined boards did not produce the same effects as the raised flat board. The use of the inclined boards increased the vertical velocity of the centre of mass of the body at toe-off, resulting in increased airborne time. These results suggest that the raised flat board and inclined boards would be effective in improving long jumpers' techniques during the take-off and airborne phases.