This study presented a detailed biomechanical examination of take-off strategies in two long jumpers who achieved comparable jump distances despite different approach velocities. Two subjects achieving similar distances (approx. 7.70 m) but with different approach velocities (Subject A: 10.21 m/s; Subject B: 9.84 m/s) were compared to elucidate the mechanical differences in their take-off strategies. Subject A, with higher approach velocity, exhibited a larger backward take-off leg angle at touchdown and greater horizontal energy (E_horiz) loss in the take-off leg compared to Subject B. Energy analysis revealed that Subject A generated 68% of total effective vertical energy (E_vert) generated in the takeoff leg through the direct conversion of E_horiz (pivoting mechanism). Conversely, Subject B generated only 50% of E_vert via the pivoting mechanism, compensating for the velocity deficit by increasing the contribution of joint work (50%) to the takeoff leg`s E_vert generation. These results illustrated differing contribution ratios between pivoting mechanism and joint work based on kinematic inputs. In conclusion, this study provided a concrete example showing that distinct mechanical strategies-one relying on velocity conversion and the other on joint work-can successfully lead to equivalent performance outcomes for long jumps.
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