Track and field coaches that are triple jump training to youth, high school, and college athletes can be particularly challenging due to the event's inherent complexity.
The triple jump consists of three distinct phases: the hop, step, and jump, each requiring specific techniques and precise timing. Coaches must ensure that athletes can execute these phases smoothly while maintaining speed and momentum, which can be daunting for those inexperienced in the event.
Additionally, mastering the triple jump demands a combination of strength, power, and coordination. Athletes often come with varying levels of physical ability, making it essential for coaches to tailor training programs accordingly. This individualized approach can be time-consuming, especially in a team setting. Moreover, the psychological aspect cannot be overlooked. The fear of failure or injury may deter athletes from fully committing to their training or attempting new techniques.
Establishing confidence in athletes is crucial, but it often takes time and patient encouragement. Limited resources and facilities can further complicate coaching efforts. Effective instruction requires a thorough understanding of these challenges and a commitment to supporting each athlete’s development.
Due to this difficulty, it’s imperative that track and field have a few key points and techniques they can rely on that will help athletes of all levels. And there are few coaches better to learn from than Nic Petersen.
Coach Petersen is entering his 3rd season as Associate Head Coach (and 12th season as any coach) of Jumps at the University of Florida Gators track and field program, and has made his own imprint on one of the nation’s historically elite jumps programs.
The Gators have continued their extraordinary run of success in the jumps under Petersen. The program has recorded 21 men’s and women’s individual NCAA titles since his arrival in 2013, including seven from Jasmine Moore (2022-2023), two from Yanis David in 2019, three from KeAndre Bates in 2017 and seven from Marquis Dendy (2012-2015).
Petersen has been a part of nine National Championship teams and seven SEC Championship teams since his arrival to the program. During his tenure, Petersen’s jumps group has won 21 National Championships and 28 SEC Championships.
In his ‘Teaching the Triple Jump’ course, Coach Petersen goes over the teaching of triple jump from the ground up. Topics covered include his teaching progression for triple jump, training inventory, runway drills, 1st run jump drills, short run drills, and extended or specific bounding drills.
We have pulled two of his most crucial lessons about teaching the triple jump and have provided them for you below.
Addressing Common Errors