THE HIGH JUMP

When I was competing in the high jump many centuries ago, we had a variety of jumping styles to choose from. We usually began with the scissors and then perhaps graduated to the Eastern cut off, the Western roll or my favourite - the straddle. High jump competitions displayed these styles, but this all came to an end in 1968. At the Mexico City Olympics a young Dick Fosbury from the USA team stunned everyone with victory in the mens high jump. His innovative jump was tagged the Fosbury Flop and his invention revolutionized high jumping over the next few years. So much so, that one very rarely sees any other style now being utilized. I am sure that some athletes who cannot master the flop would be well advised to switch to the straddle, which is still an effective and efficient way to clear the bar. Any takers? The flop run up is fast and the last portion of the run-up is curved in towards the bar. The tightness of this curve varies from one athlete to the next. There is no one correct way. At takeoff, the athlete drives upward from the jumping foot, simultaneously thrusting the leading leg upward and then back toward the run-up. This rotary action of the leading leg helps to turn the athletes body into a back layout position for the bar clearance. During the time over the bar, the athletes arms, which are swung upward at takeoff, are usually brought into the sides of the athletes body and the athletes vision is directed along the line of the bar toward the far high jump standard. When the shoulders cross the bar, the athletes back is arched and the hips are pushed upwards. After the athletes seat has passed over the bar, the athlete flexes at the hips and the legs are brought toward the chest. The athletes head and shoulders lift upward. The athlete then relaxes to land on the back and shoulders on the landing mat. High knee marching, high knee running and long bounding strides can all be used to develop a good range of movement as well as lifting the jumpers attitude to the event. High jumping is all about lifting confidence as well as the athletes centre of gravity to new levels. Initially I teach a five stride run up (2 straight and 3 curved strides,) but soon the athlete is asked to use a nine stride run up with 4 straight and 5 curved strides. The take-off spot is usually one arms length (or thereabouts) from the bar. An athlete begins a 9 stride run-up from the left side with the right foot (assuming that the athlete starts with the feet together). One or two check marks on the run-up will assist in making the run-up accurate. The second check mark should be 5 strides prior to lift off. With improved technique (and leg strength) the athlete can lengthen the run up beyond 9 strides to 11 and perhaps 13 strides The athlete must be fully aware of the actions required over the last two strides before take-off. There will be the forward- backward movement of the arms and the backward lean of the body. This will enable the jumper to swing both arms back on the penultimate stride and assume the correct position to enable full co-ordinated explosion of both arms and the take-off leg (right if approaching from the left). The flop is not an easy jump to master, but when the jump finally clicks it is well worth the effort. High jumpers need expert observation in order that their faults are picked up (and eradicated) early. If any of the above outline requires amplification, please contact me. Aim high. Mike Marston B.A.A.B. Club Coach 23/9/09