Study aim: To assess the effects of vertical, horizontal, and combination depth jump training programs on the performance of the running long jump by male athletes.

Material and methods: A total of 80 physical education students ranging in age between 18-21 years with mean depth jump performance of 44.3 ± 5.13 cm from a 45 cm high box were purposively selected to act as subjects. The subjects were randomly assigned to vertical depth jump training (VD), horizontal depth jump training (HD), the combination of both (CD), and a control group (CG). Each week, experimental groups performed 6 sets (10 repetitions per set) twice a week for 10 weeks of depth jump training from a height of 20 cm, which progressed to 40 cm according to the step method. Running long jump (RLJ) was measured before and after 10 weeks. Analysis of covariance, with pre-test scores as a covariate, was applied to compare scores. A pairwise comparison was done by using the Scheffe’s post-hoc test.

Results: The average increase of RLJ performance in groups VD (0.17 m) and CD (0.23 m) was significantly different (p<0.05) than in group CG (0.05 m). Improvement in group HD (0.12 m) was not significantly different than in group CG; moreover, no significant difference existed between training groups.

Conclusions: A combination of both vertical and horizontal depth jumping is required for long jumpers, with a higher proportion of vertical depth jumping.