Illustrated High Jump Technique

By Mike Rosenbaum, About.com Guide

Don’t make the mistake of taking off in front of the center of the bar. You want to take off before you reach that point, so your momentum carries you over the center – which is the bar’s lowest point. Plant the takeoff foot (which will be farthest from the bar) in front of you, with the toe pointing toward the far standard, and drive your other leg and both arms straight up (not across your body), while keeping them close to your body. The thigh on the non-takeoff leg should be parallel to the ground while your arms punch up to head level. Look down on the bar with your chin tight to your chest. Leave the free leg up as the takeoff leg rises into a similar position. It’s important to remember that the takeoff is a vertical jump. Maintain your lean away from the bar and jump up, allowing your momentum to carry you over the bar.

Previous

• Introduction
• Approach - start
• Approach - straight run
• Approach - Curve
• Takeoff - double arm
• Takeoff - single arm
• Flight - arching your body
• Flight - clearing your legs
• Flight - finish

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