Hop (first) phase of the Triple Jump

The hop (first) phase of the triple jump begins with the athlete running off the board. The athlete should be thinking out and up as they leave the board. The take-off leg is fully extended for a complete push off the ground and the drive leg thigh should be nearly parallel to the ground at take-off, with the knee joint at approximately a 45 degree angle, and the foot relaxed. The foot of the take-off leg will be pulled to the buttocks. The drive leg will them begin to rotate from in front of the center of gravity to behind it, while the take-off leg begins to pull forward. As the thigh of the take-off leg reaches parallel, the lower portion of the leg extends past the knee, with the foot dorsi flexed. Once the leg is extended, the athlete then forcefully drives the entire leg downwards, setting himself up for an active landing. Flexibility is critical here; the greater the angle of extension during flight, the more "AIR" time and greater the Hop.