Coaching Young Athletes

6 Long Jump Run Up Games That Won’t Bore Kids

One of the keys to a successful long or triple jump is a fast, accurate, consistent run-up.

This is a skill that can be developed in young athletes without them even knowing it.

It can be done away from the long jump runway and you don’t even need a sand pit.

Long Jump Run Up Games

Each of the following games gives the kids experience in:

• Running and stepping on a target at speed.
• Steering to a target on the ground.

1. Target Run & Step

Set Up

• The kids line up behind a starting point, standing ready.
• Place a hoop on the ground 10-15 metres away.

Activity

• The kids take turns running and attempting to step in the hoop.
• Award a point for each successful attempt.

Variation

• Time from the kids’ first step to when they step in the hoop.

2. Target Run, Step & Jump

Set Up

• The kids line up behind a starting point, standing ready.
• Place a hoop on the ground 10-15 metres away.
• Place a mini hurdle (or similar) just past the hoop.

Activity

• The kids run to step in the hoop and then leap over the hurdle to mimic a long jump take-off.
• Award a point for each successful attempt.

Tip

• Ensure that the kids know that they are not performing a full long jump. They are leaping from one foot to land on the other foot then decelerating over a few strides.

3. Target Run, Step, Jump & Touch

Set Up

• The kids line up behind a starting point, standing ready.
• Place a hoop on the ground 10-15 metres away.
• Place a mini hurdle (or similar) just past the hoop.
• The coach or an assistant stands just beyond the mini hurdle and slightly to the side, holding up a pool noodle above and just past the mini hurdle.

Activity

• The kids run to step in the hoop, leap above the hurdle, and attempt to reach and touch the pool noodle whilst in the air.
• Award a point for each successful attempt.

Variation

• Require either a one or two hand touch of the pool noodle.

Tip

• Ensure that the kids know that they are not performing a full long jump. They are leaping from one foot to land on the other foot then decelerating over a few strides.

4. Target Step Race

Set Up

• The kids line up next to each other (in lanes if possible) behind a start line, standing ready.
• Place one hoop on the ground 10-15 metres away in front of each child.

Activity

• On the coach’s signal, the kids race to be the first to step in their hoop.

Tip

• Teach the kids to run a few metres past the hoop after stepping in it. Tell them not to stop in the hoop.

Variations

• Vary the distance of the race.
• Place a finish line a few metres past the hoop. The kids have to step in the hoop on the way to the finish line.

5. Run, Turn, Race

Set Up

• The kids stand along a line, each runner with their front foot in a hoop.
• As many kids can participate as you have hoops and space.

Activity

• On the coach’s signal, the kids jog away together from the hoops. Everyone must stay in line.
• On the sound of the coach’s whistle, the kids quickly turn around and race back the way they came, in an attempt to be the first to step in their hoop.

Variations

• The coach can vary the point at which they blow their whistle.

6. Relay Target Step

Set Up

• Set up a shuttle relay over a suitable distance for the age group.
• Place a hoop on the ground halfway between each end.

Activity

• The kids run a shuttle relay with the requirement of having to step in the hoop on their way to the other end.

Variation

• Vary the distance of the relay.

Over To You!

Try some of these games next time you are teaching kids about long jump or triple jump run-ups. I would love to hear how it goes! Let me know by leaving a comment/reply or by using the contact details below.

Further reading

Articles:

How to Teach a Long Jump Run-Up in 7 Easy Steps

Where to Stand on the Long Jump Board to Measure a Run-Up

Long Jump Run-Ups: Why Close Enough Is Good Enough

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