Specific Quintuple: An On-Field Test to Predict Triple Jump Performance with High Accuracy

The triple jump is a demanding discipline in athletics, requiring physical capacity to cope with vertical ground reaction force peaks 8–15 times body weight when executed with a full run-up. This study investigated the potential of a specific drill executed with a shortened run up, the "specific quintuple", as a predictor of triple jump performance. A sample of 68 expert athletes participated in a total of 218 testing sessions, with measurements taken during both practice sessions and competitions. Linear hierarchical regression analysis revealed a strong correlation between performance of the specific quintuple drill and the triple jump competition performance (R2 = 0.96). This correlation remained significant across different age categories and sexes. The specific quintuple drill offers a safer and more gradual approach to skill acquisition, potentially mitigating the risk of overloading and injury, particularly among youth athletes. The study provides practical insights for coaches and athletes, offering regression equations for predicting triple jump performance based on specific quintuple performance. Overall, the specific quintuple drill emerges as a valuable tool for assessing and improving triple jump performance while prioritizing athletes’ safety.