Procedures for How to High Jump
- 1). Begin your approach toward the bar. Unlike the long jump, high jumpers do not run in a straight line towards the bar, but move in a "J" curve toward the bar. Push off your takeoff foot (the one which you will plant before you jump) and run five steps in a straight path, keeping your eyes fixed on a point near the bar, but not on the bar itself.
- 2). Keep your head raised, and accelerate with each step as you approach the curve. On the fifth step, angle your body into the curve and shift your feet in that direction, which triggers your hips and shoulders to rotate into the turn.
- 3). Continue to accelerate through the curve. Your next four strides must be smooth and even as you begin to lean your body back to prepare for takeoff.
- 4). Begin your takeoff by angling your body away from the center of the bar on the ninth stride. Plant your takeoff foot and lower the shoulder closest to the bar, and align your outside shoulder and hips.
- 5). Lift off your takeoff foot and jump straight up into the air, leaning away from the bar. Extend the arm closest to the bar as you gain height to help control your flight and give you extra momentum.
- 6). Angle your body so that your knees are bent, and your back is parallel to the bar. Tilt your head backwards as it clears the bar to give more lift to your hips. Tuck your head into your chin after your hips clear the bar, which helps raise your legs.
- 7). Extend your arms and legs once your body clears the bar, which slows the arc of your flight as you land on your back.
