The high jump is one of the most exciting field events in track and field. As athletes sprint down the runway and propel themselves high into the air to clear the bar, all eyes are watching to see if they can land successfully on the landing mat. But what exactly goes into constructing the high jump landing area? This article will explore the key components.
❓ What is the landing area?
The high jump landing area is the carefully prepared space that high jumpers land in after clearing the bar. It consists of soft landing mats placed over a hardened strip of synthetic material or concrete. The landing surface is designed to cushion the impact of the jump and allow athletes to land safely.
✅ Main Components
🟢 Landing Mats The centerpiece of the landing area is the landing mats. High-quality mats are usually made of dense foam and covered in vinyl or synthetic suede material. The mats come in large sections that can be pieced together to create the pit. They are typically between 30 to 45cm thick to absorb impact. Standards require them to meet certain compression ratings and durability tests as well.
🟢 Underlay Underneath the foam landing mats lies a firm underlay surface. This is often a strip made of synthetic material (like Mondo), asphalt, or concrete. The underlay provides a solid foundation and keeps the mats stable while athletes land. It also facilitates drainage if landing pits get wet.
🟢 Covering The landing center must be clearly visible, so bright white nylon covers are placed over the area surrounding the thick landing mats. This covering signals the safe landing zone for athletes and contrasts against the green grass.
👷 Constructing the Pits
When building a high jump pit, care goes into properly installing each component:
- The underlay foundation is leveled and smoothed
- Sections of thick foam mats are installed end-to-end with no gaps
- White nylon covers are tightly stretched and secured over the surrounding ground
- Maintenance checks ensure nails/debris don’t catch on the pit
Proper construction and regular inspection ensure athlete safety.
🔁 Maintenance
The landing area requires regular maintenance checks before competitions. Officials will:
- ✅ Ensure mats are securely fastened
- ✅ Check for tears in fabric or foam
- ✅ Remove debris around pits
- ✅ Confirm no slippage or holes
Consistent monitoring preserves function and keeps conditions safe over years of use.
🎯 Conclusion
When athletes propel themselves high into the air, the landing zone awaits to cushion their landing. High jump event officials meticulously prepare the landing area by installing uniform foam mats over a firm underlay and covering the surrounding ground in white nylon. This structured construction serves both aesthetic purposes and the all-important role of keeping athletes safe when they return to earth. Proper installation, maintenance checks, and repair ensure the high jump landing area effectively serves its noble purpose competition after competition. How Many Lanes On Track