A Beginners Guide to Track & Field Jump Events

Track and field jump events test an athlete's coordination and jumping ability through the combination of speed, strength, and agility, and have a rich history going back to ancient Greece's original Olympics' pentathlon events. There are four different events that lie within the jump category in track & field: long jump, triple jump, high jump, and pole vault.

The long jump and triple jump are known as the horizontal jumps, where the goal is to achieve maximum distance. The pole vault and high jump are considered vertical jumps, with the objective of clearing a bar at the greatest possible height without dislodging it.

The long jump consists of competitors running down a designated runway and jumping as far as they can from a mark (wooden or synthetic board) into a pit filled with soft sand. Controlled accelerated speed, a proper flat-footed take-off, and a high and far leap off the board are the fundamentals of success for the long jump. Because speed is such an important factor in the approach, it is not surprising that many long jumpers also compete successfully in sprints.

The triple jump is another horizontal jump for distance on a designated runway that has a large sand pit at the end. But the difference lies in the approach to this jump.

The triple jump athlete accelerates down the runway to then incorporate three distinct, continuous movements — a hop, in which the athlete takes off and lands on the same foot; a step, landing on the other foot; and a jump from the board into the sand pit. If a jumper touches the ground with the wrong leg, the jump is disallowed, so technique and rhythm are important.

The pole vault competition is the event in which athletes attempt to jump over an elevated crossbar by vaulting themselves up and over it with a long, flexible pole. Pole vaulters begin each vault attempt with a running start before planting the pole in a “box” on the ground while continuing to hold it. They use that momentum to arch their body feet-first over the crossbar without dislodging it. There is a large mat on the other side of the apparatus so that the athlete can safely land after their vault.

For the high jump, competitors must jump over a horizontal bar without knocking the bar to the ground. Unlike the pole vault, athletes jump without a pole, requiring high levels of speed, explosive power, and agility. Jumpers have a runway or take-off area that is wide, so they can use a straight or angled running approach. They can only have one foot planted on the ground when initiating the jump. There is a large mat on the other side of the bar apparatus, so they are able to safely land after their attempt.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced jumper, here’s what to look for in a jump spike to maximize your performance.

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete chasing new bests or just getting started in track and field, choosing the right jump spike can make a huge difference in your performance and confidence. Each jumping event demands its own balance of speed, stability, and support, but all athletes benefit from a secure fit and durable build that can handle both training and competition.

Coach Harry Marra’s decades of coaching experience remind us that there’s no single perfect spike for everyone. What matters most is finding the shoe that complements your technique, comfort, and event needs. As he emphasized in our interview, the right spike is the one that helps you move efficiently and confidently through every phase of your jump.