Evaluating speed and acceleration using a mechanical test to determine and measure the approach distance for young long jumpers

Abstract

Approaching is considered one of the most important stages of the long jump, as the success of the jump depends greatly on the athlete’s ability to achieve appropriate speed and effective acceleration before launching. Therefore, this research aims to use a mechanical test to accurately determine and measure approach distance, which helps coaches and players understand the relationship between speed, acceleration, and approach distance. Thus, improving training programs and enhancing sports performance. This study seeks to build an advanced knowledge base by using a modern mechanical test to measure speed and acceleration, and determine the best distance to approach in proportion to the characteristics of the players. This study will contribute to providing accurate practical tools for performance analysis, which will help coaches design specialized training programs that raise the performance level of young long jumpers. The study aimed to develop a mechanical test to determine and measure speed and acceleration to determine the appropriate approach distance for long jumpers, which contributes to improving athletic performance and providing accurate data that supports the training process. The researcher used the descriptive approach to suit the nature of the problem. The research population was determined from young long jumpers under Age (20) years and number of (8) players, players from a number of Baghdad clubsField research procedures included conducting videography and kinematic analysis in the long jump test. It also included conducting a mechanical test to determine and measure the appropriate approach distance for the jumper through kinematic analysis of the approach runIn light of the results obtained by the researcher, the researcher concluded that the athlete’s speed in the approach phase greatly affects the performance of the long jump, as increasing the approach speed enhances the ability to achieve a better jump. It was shown through mechanical testing that positive acceleration (the athlete’s acceleration during the approach) It is positively related to jump distance, which means that players who achieve higher acceleration during the final phase of the approach have a greater ability to achieve longer jumps. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of using mechanical tests to measure both speed and acceleration. Which contributes to identifying the strengths and weaknesses of players and helps coaches develop training programs that suit the needs of each player. The research confirms the necessity of focusing training on improving the speed of approach and acceleration in the final stages before progressing. The researcher recommends developing focused training programs To improve speed and acceleration, as coaches must design special training programs aimed at increasing the players’ speed during the approach distance, with a focus on acceleration training in the final stages of the approach. It is recommended to conduct mechanical tests periodically to measure the players’ speed and acceleration during training, and this helps in tracking their progress. And determine their strengths and weaknesses, given the different levels of speed and acceleration between players.