What is the take-off angle for long jump?

• A. 5-10°
• B. 30-35°
• C. Approximately 18-22°
• D. 45°

Answer: (C)

Take-off angle in long jump is about balancing vertical lift with preserving horizontal speed to maximize distance. You want enough vertical component to get you airborne and give you a decent flight time, but not so much that you sacrifice most of your running speed. With typical elite approach speeds, a take-off angle of roughly 18–22 degrees hits that balance well: it provides enough lift to stay in the air longer, while keeping most of your forward momentum so you can cover more ground. Angles higher than this (like 30–35 degrees or 45 degrees) shift too much speed into vertical motion, reducing the horizontal distance you travel. Too shallow a take-off (5–10 degrees) doesn’t generate enough lift to maximize airtime and distance. So, around 20 degrees is the practical sweet spot for maximizing long jump distance.