111. The long jump: Technique and teaching

Take long jump performance to the next level with a self-paced course led by veteran instructor and founder of USTFCCCA’s Track & Field Academy, Boo Schexnayder.

~6 Hrs. Duration | 33 Pages of Course Materials | 12 Knowledge Retention Checks

This course is also included in the Horizontal Jumps Bundle.

Course instructor

BOO SCHEXNAYDER

Owner

SAC Speed

With over 40 years of experience in coaching and consulting, Boo Schexnayder is regarded as one of the world’s premier field event coaches.

He was the mastermind behind 26 NCAA Champions during his collegiate coaching career, was part 13 NCAA Championship teams and a pair of Juco National titles, and he has developed a host of conference champions and All-Americans.

Schexnayder has also been a prominent figure on the international scene. He has coached 18 Olympians and 7 Olympic/World Championship medalists, and served on coaching staffs for Team USA to the 2003 Pan Am Games in Santo Domingo, the 2006 World Junior Championships in Beijing, and was the Jumps Coach for Team USA at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

  • Schexnayder has been just as successful off the track. He is certified at Level I, II and III, and owns the prestigious Master Coach Designation from USA Track and Field. He is also certified by the NSCA as a Strength and Conditioning coach.

    Schexnayder has been heavily involved in Coaching Education. He formerly served as national chair of USATF’s Coaching Education Committee, Jumps Subcommittee chair, and chair of the Biomechanics subcommittee.

    Schexnayder was also the founder of the Track and Field Academy, the educational branch of the US Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. He served as program director from its inception in 2009 through 2017, and still serves as an instructor in biomechanics, training design, and event-specific courses.

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COURSE DESCRIPTION

DEEPEN YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF EVERY LONG JUMP PHASE

Along with LSU jumps coach Todd Lane, instructor Boo Schexnayder breaks down all phases of the long jump event in detail, using video demonstrations to clearly illustrate every key position and movement. Get step-by-step teaching progressions and cues for every phase of the event.

Also included are tips for teaching technique, managing approach accuracy, assembling an approach from scratch, using checkmarks, improving landings, and many other topics. This class also includes and identifies special high-level technical sections that make it a great resource for every level of long jumper.

This course features archived video content that can now only be found here in this course, while the study notes and knowledge retention checks are new materials that are unique to this course.

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COURSE LAYOUT

01. THE APPROACH

Learn how to tailor approach length to skill level, determine the best takeoff foot, and navigate the four critical phases—start, drive, continuation, and transition—for a powerful and controlled long jump performance.

DIAGRAM: Approach Basics: Length, Takeoff Foot, and 4 Phases of the Approach (The Start, Drive, Continuation, and Transition Phases)

VIDEO: The Start

STUDY NOTES: The Start

KNOWLEDGE RETENTION CHECK: The Start

VIDEO: The Drive Phase

STUDY NOTES: The Drive Phase

KNOWLEDGE RETENTION CHECK: The Drive Phase

VIDEO: The Continuation Phase

STUDY NOTES: The Continuation Phase

KNOWLEDGE RETENTION CHECK: The Continuation Phase

VIDEO: The Transition Phase

STUDY NOTES: The Transition Phase

KNOWLEDGE RETENTION CHECK: The Transition Phase

VIDEO: Visual Focus in the Approach

STUDY NOTES: Visual Focus in the Approach

KNOWLEDGE RETENTION CHECK: Visual Focus in the Approach

02. CHECKMARK SYSTEMS

In long jump, checkmark systems are essential for ensuring accuracy and consistency in the athlete's approach. This section will discuss the athlete's checkmark and the coach's checkmark.

VIDEO: Checkmark Systems

STUDY NOTES: Checkmark Systems

KNOWLEDGE RETENTION CHECK: Checkmark Systems

03. APPROACH ASSEMBLY

Learn the methodical process of assembling a consistent and effective long jump approach, starting with technical buildups on the track and culminating in seamless execution on the runway.

VIDEO: Approach Assembly

STUDY NOTES: Approach Assembly

KNOWLEDGE RETENTION CHECK: Approach Assembly

04. THE PREPARATION PHASE

The preparation phase in the long jump involves movements just before takeoff that enable the jumper to create vertical forces.

VIDEO: The Preparation Phase

STUDY NOTES: The Preparation Phase

KNOWLEDGE RETENTION CHECK: The Preparation Phase

05. THE TAKEOFF PHASE

The Takeoff Phase in the long jump is critical for both generating the vertical lift necessary for the jump and preserving the key technical elements established in the approach.

VIDEO: The Takeoff Phase

STUDY NOTES: The Takeoff Phase

KNOWLEDGE RETENTION CHECK: The Takeoff Phase

06. THE FLIGHT PHASE

The Flight Phase of the long jump follows the takeoff and is characterized by the jumper's body being in the air. During this phase, the path of the body’s center of mass is determined by the takeoff mechanics, and while the flight path itself cannot be altered, managing body movements and rotations can help optimize landing positions.

VIDEO: The Flight Phase

STUDY NOTES: The Flight Phase

KNOWLEDGE RETENTION CHECK: The Flight Phase

07. TEACHING PREPARATION, TAKEOFF, AND FLIGHT PHASES

In this section, we will discuss teaching methods for the preparation, takeoff, and flight phases of the long jump.

VIDEO: Teaching Preparation, Takeoff, and Flight Phases

STUDY NOTES: Teaching Preparation, Takeoff, and Flight Phases

KNOWLEDGE RETENTION CHECK: Teaching Preparation, Takeoff, and Flight Phases

08. LANDING PHASE

The landing phase of the long jump is crucial for maximizing jump distance and ensuring a smooth, controlled landing. Effective landing involves managing body rotation, maintaining posture, and timing movements correctly. Key technical considerations include the control of forward rotation, proper arm sweep, and positioning of the legs and torso.

VIDEO: Organizational Principles of Weight Training Periodization

STUDY NOTES: Organizational Principles of Weight Training Periodization

KNOWLEDGE RETENTION CHECK: Organizational Principles of Weight Training Periodization

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What to Expect

EXPERT INSTRUCTORS

Our instructors are proven track & field veterans with experience as educators, program directors, and coaches at the collegiate, professional, and international levels. Each course has been meticulously planned and prepared by its instructor to ensure a comprehensive learning experience for every student.

SELF-PACED LEARNING

Learn on your own terms in our self-paced educational environment. Progress through video lessons, review study guides, and complete knowledge retention checks all on your own schedule. You can even skip sections and return to them later. There’s no time requirement for finishing the course. Once you buy it, you can access it forever.

DOWNLOADABLE CONTENT

Each course includes supplementary documentation – from study guides and glossaries to diagrams and inventories. All of this documentation is downloadable. Save it, print it, and take it with you to practices and meets to make an immediate impact with your newfound knowledge. Videos you can access wherever you have an internet connection.

KNOWLEDGE RETENTION CHECKS

Complete each course confidently with the help of our knowledge retention checks. After every module, these short quizzes test your knowledge of key concepts to ensure your grip on the material is strong.

Knowledge retention checks are optional unless you intend to receive a Certificate of Achievement upon completion, which requires an 80% or better on all.

CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT

Showcase your knowledge to administration and staff with a Certificate of Achievement. You’ll have the option to request one of these if you’ve completed every module of the course and passed all knowledge retention checks with a score of 80% or higher.

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Frequently asked questions

Don’t see your question below? Contact us.

  • No, you can choose to enroll at any time you’d like, and take however much time you want to; the course will always be there for whatever timeline suits you. 

  • Yes and no– it is not possible to download the video lessons, but you can download all PDF materials. 

  • There is no time limit to your login, and you can go back and look at any part of the course you want at any time. 

  • You must show that you have an understanding of the material by achieving a mark of 80% or higher on the Knowledge Retention Checks– but don’t worry, you can take those Knowledge Retention Checks more than one time if need be.

  • For any course content, we encourage you to write the questions in the Ascent Track Discord in each class section. For any technical issues, you can contact us at support@ascenttrackclinics.com