Olympic Medalist Jasmine Moore’s Triple Jump Approach Technique Keys

• By Grant Young

Triple jump coaching is a highly technical art, where the best coaches understand how much success hinges on perfecting the approach run. While many spectators focus on the explosive phases after takeoff, elite jumpers know that a consistent, powerful approach makes all the difference—and few understand this better than Jasmine Moore, the Paris Olympics bronze medalist.

The approach in the triple jump isn't merely a run-up; it's the foundation for everything that follows. A well-executed approach:

- Builds the optimal horizontal velocity that converts to distance

- Establishes rhythm and consistency for the technical phases

- Creates the momentum that carries through all three jumps

- Positions the athlete perfectly for takeoff

Moore's approach technique has become her signature strength. Her bronze medal performance in Paris demonstrated how a precisely calibrated approach can elevate an athlete to the Olympic podium.

Moore's approach technique stands out for several reasons:

1. Her approach features remarkable consistency—she hits the takeoff board within centimeters nearly every attempt. This precision comes from countless repetitions and her methodical step-marking system.

2. Unlike many competitors who sacrifice control for speed, Moore maintains perfect posture throughout acceleration. She stays tall, avoiding the common mistake of leaning forward too early, which preserves energy for the explosive phases.

3. Moore's final three strides show a subtle but crucial lowering of her center of gravity—what coaches call "active touchdown"—preparing her body for the powerful conversion from horizontal to vertical movement.

Perhaps most importantly, Moore has mastered the psychological aspect of the approach. She remains composed under pressure, executing her runway pattern identically whether in practice or Olympic competition.

For triple jumpers looking to improve, studying Moore's approach technique offers invaluable lessons in the blend of speed, rhythm, and technical precision that creates championship performances. Her bronze medal in Paris was built on this foundation, proving that in the triple jump, mastering the approach truly is the key to success.

Of course, there’s more to Moore’s triple jump mastery than these basic fundamental components. But nobody is better equipped to explain the nuances of triple jump success than her. That’s why we’ve pulled several pertinent pieces of Moore’s wisdom from her ‘Triple Jump Mastery: Power, Precision, and Technique with Jasmine Moore’ clinic from the Texas Track and Field Coaches Association and are sharing them below for you. 

Drive Phase Approach

Coach Moore explains that the drive phase of the triple jump is the first third of the approach. Here, the focus needs to be on powerful pushes, which is extremely different than bounding out the back. 

The difference is that purposeless bounding is going to take away from momentum rather than increase it into the next phases of the jump. Therefore, each push needs to have a clear intent. 

Coach Moore also emphasizes the importance of the very first step because of how it creates consistency and helps solidify the rest of the approach. She also suggests using some type of physical marker on the ground to ensure that the first step is in the right position.

When training this phase of the triple jump, Coach Moore notes that she always focuses on keeping her chest up, because having the chest down typically causes the body to have more of a bounding approach, which isn’t ideal. 

Continuation Phase Approach

The next phase Coach Moore discusses is the continuation phase, which follows the drive phase and is focused on covering ground. Her main goal during this phase is to keep running aggressively, which means standing up, being in the correct body posture, nailing the running mechanics, and being keenly aware of where she is on the track. 

While mechanics are crucial for every phase in the triple jump approach, Coach Moore seems to think they’re most important during this continuation phase because this is when a lot of fouls and penalties happen, which can derail an entire jump.

Transition Phase Approach

Coach Moore then goes on to discuss the final phase of the triple jump approach, which is the transition phase. 

She explains how this phase consists of the last 4 to 6 steps of the approach. The main goal of this phase is to create and maintain the maximum speed possible as one gets to the board and begins the eventual jump.

Coach Moore is a big proponent of having what she calls a “mid mark” during this phase, which is a way to gauge where the runner is in their approach. It should be positioned about five steps out from the jump for each runner, which is about 28 feet for Coach Moore. 

If an athlete is on their mid mark perfectly and on the board perfectly, they did their job. But if they end up a foot or so in front of the mid mark but on the board perfectly, the athlete was probably stuttering in their lead-up. 

If the athlete is behind the mid mark, then they’re probably reaching, which would also require a mechanical adjustment from the coach.

Coach Moore also reiterates that the athlete’s posture and hips must remain upright as they enter the board, because the chest or hips being down will not lead to an optimal take off.