Next up in the All-around leader series: The Long Jump
If the 100 meter sprint was an "all-out" race to the finish line, the long jump demands much more control and consistency. The participant sprints down a runway and leaps off a common take off spot called the "board", flying through the air and landing as far away from the take-off line as possible. In the decathlon, we only have three attempts also, so everything must be perfect.
There are four primary leadership lessons I've learned from competing in and coaching others in the Long Jump:
"Master your own approach"
The run-up or approach is all about rhythm and acceleration. I used to think about a freight train, as it slowly takes off from a stop, rhythmic chug, chug, chug, chug-- as it gains momentum and velocity. A jumper would measure the run up in the number of strides or steps they would take-- I used an 8 left foot approach, meaning that I would use 16 total steps during the run up.
A great take off is "set up" by an excellent and consistent approach. In the long jump, your trajectory will often follow where you are focusing. What I mean is that if you are looking down at the ground just 15-20 feet in front of you - i.e. into the sand pit. That's exactly where you will jump, 15 feet. However, if you are looking straight up at the sky, you're probably going to jump far to high into the air, and your flight will be too steep, and short. The horizon, that visual meeting place between the sky and the land-- that's where we need to focus.
There is a very critical place that I want you to understand in the long jump event. It represents the standard that every jump will be measured. The front edge of the takeoff board is really only about 1/4" wide. No jumper is allowed to touch the track surface in front of that line-- otherwise, it's a "foul". You'll see a specific judge usually sitting right at that spot-- he/she will be equipped with a flag-- white on one end, red on the other. After each take-off, they are assigned to judge the jump-- by raising the appropriate colored side of the flag. You cross that line-- even by just a "hair"-- your attempt is null and void. 0 points-- and waste of your time.
"Don't be afraid to get dirty"
As the long jumper powerfully takes off from the board, rises and seemingly walks through thin air during the flight-- then there is a very violent and active landing where often sand flies all over the surrounding area! You see, excellent long jumpers reach forward in a seated position right at the landing-- stretching out and often landing practically on their sides. They literally "throw" themselves forward into the sand pit-- and trust me, you get sand EVERYWHERE-- in your socks and shoes, in your shorts, your singlet top, your hair, eyes, ears and up your nose.
Apply these simple lessons to your leaderships and work today!
Enthusiasm, Dreamer, Coach, Mentor, Friend
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