High Jump

High Jump Summary

In this chapter, we explore the high jump, an exciting athletic event that combines speed, strength, and technique. We break down the high jump into four main phases: the approach, take-off, flight, and landing. Understanding these phases is essential for learning how to jump effectively and safely. First, we have the approach phase. This is where the jumper runs towards the bar. The approach run is special because it follows a J-shape, starting straight for a few strides and then curving back. At first, the jumper's foot should land on the ball of the foot. It is important to lean the body slightly forward to build speed, increasing velocity as they run closer to the bar. The last few strides should focus on quickening the steps to prepare for take-off. By the time the jumper reaches the last stride, they need to make sure their body is upright, and their center of mass is lowered to launch into the jump. Next is the take-off phase. Here, a quick and flat foot plant happens, where the foot is directed towards the area where they will land. It is crucial to minimize ground time during take-off and bend the take-off leg correctly. The jumper must drive the free knee up until the thigh is parallel to the ground, which helps them gain height. By the end of the take-off motion, the body should stand vertical. The flight phase is where the magic happens. In this part of the jump, the athlete uses either the straddle technique or the Fosbury flop. For this chapter, we will focus on the straddle method. The jumper clears the bar while facing down, extending the take-off leg first, followed by the trailing leg. Keeping the body parallel to the bar is key, with the head and shoulders leading the way for successful clearance. Finally, we talk about the landing phase. After clearing the bar, the jumper needs to tuck their head toward their chest as they come down. They should aim to land on their shoulders and back while keeping their knees apart for a safe touchdown. To practice the high jump, it's helpful for students to work in pairs. One student can throw a soft ball above the bar while the other jumps to clear it and attempts to catch the ball before it lands. This exercise makes practice fun and competitive. Additionally, there is a lead-up activity called circle time. This encourages pairs to reflect on their jumping experiences, discussing their maximum jump heights, what worked well during their approach, and areas where they feel they can improve. Reflecting on these factors is important as students set new goals for their high jump technique. Overall, this chapter equips students with the fundamental skills of high jumping and emphasizes the importance of practice and improvement.