High Jump Technique

High Jump Technique
High jump technique is a significant aspect of training for track and field athletes. Jump on to the article below to know all about this technique.
Only Javier Sotomayor, the world record holder for the high jump in the track and field event of high jump would be able to answer how in the world did he mange to do that! This Cuban athlete did a high jump of a whopping 8 feet and 0.46 inch. No wonder he holds the world record for the best high jump. There would definitely be his take on that, but I am not sure if we can get to know it. Instead, what can be do is to take a look at high jump techniques!

Proper High Jump Technique

Phase #1
According to the experts, the first phase, the approach, is the most crucial aspect of a high jump. If that happens to be goofed up, the whole jump will be a damp squib. Thus we will 'approach' the approach first. Running straight, transition and then the curve are three factors in the high jump approach. The first is important to build the speed and momentum, the second one is crucial for the athlete to get their body ready to run towards the bar. Getting this makes sure that the athletes runs the last section impeccably. The last stage, curve is where the speed and momentum built have to be translated into a good take off. The athlete leans inwardly and the rhythm of the steps changes and becomes quicker with each step. Read more on track and field rules.

Phase #2
Taking from where we left, with regards to high jump technique and training, now is the time for the take off. When the player takes off, the curve while running gives the athlete the chance to drop his or her center of mass slightly. The last step can be bang on if this is done right. Proper placement of the foot too is facilitated by this curve, which has to point in the direction of far standard. The time is now perfect now for the vertical lift, which is the last step. Inward lean and backward lean let the athlete generate rotational forces which eventually aid the athlete in clearing the bar. Take off also includes blocking too. Blocking means a sudden stopping of a body part helping another one to accelerate better. Free arms and legs are used to block and the more powerfully you block them, the better your take off will be. On take off the athlete has to drive up his free leg as high as possible. With regards to high jump technique, this is a very crucial aspect.

The Flight
During the take off, the head of the athlete has to be in the direction of the far standard. Once the athlete goes mid air, his hips are near the bar, his head has to be directly in the backward direction. This will lead his hips rise over the bar. The head then will brought back to the chest by the athlete to clear the bar. The athlete ultimately lands on his upper back in the pit. Read more on exercises to jump higher.

High Jump Technique and Drills
One of the primary things an aspiring athlete has to incorporate in his high jump drills is plain running. Conditioning is inevitable for an athlete. It is definitely not a cake walk to get your body off the ground and over the pole without any propelling force other than your own limbs. Practicing the arching of the back is another mandatory drill for high jump athletes. In addition to that, playing basketball will contribute to jumping better vertically. Further the curved running and jumping movements in basketball are very useful in high jumping. Most of all practicing and doing that real hard is one thing which cannot be compromised. Read more on how to increase vertical jump.

These were some of the high jump techniques and tips. I think we have come a little close to the possible secret of Javier Sotomayor's amazing high jump!

This is where I end on a high (jump) technique and sign off! All the best