Optimizing Long Jump Ability: The Synergistic Effect of Leg Power, Balance, and Flexibility

Abstract

The problem addressed in this study is the low long jump performance among Senior High School (SHS) students. The independent variables examined are leg muscle explosive power (X₁), balance (X₂), and flexibility (X₃), while the dependent variable is long jump ability (Y). This correlational study aims to determine the extent to which leg muscle explosive power, balance, and flexibility explain the variance in long jump ability. The population consists of 169 students, from which 20 male student‐athletes were randomly selected as the sample. Research instruments included the standing broad jump test for leg muscle explosive power, the modified Bass test for balance, a flexiometer test for flexibility, and a long jump test to measure performance. Data analysis was conducted using correlation and multiple correlation techniques with a significance level of α = 0.05. The results show that: 1) Leg muscle explosive power explains 43% of the variance in long jump ability (R² = 0.43). 2) Balance explains 28% of the variance (R² = 0.28). 3) Flexibility explains 12% of the variance (R² = 0.12). 4) Collectively, leg muscle explosive power, balance, and flexibility explain 77% of the variance in long jump ability (Multiple R² = 0.77). These findings indicate that leg muscle explosive power, balance, and flexibility are significant predictors of long jump performance among SHS students..