High Jump - Track and Field

The high jump is an Olympic track and field event where an athlete must jump over a horizontal bar without knocking it down.
Over the years, different high jump techniques have been developed. Since 1993, the world record has been held by Javier Sotomayor from Cuba, at 2.45 meters.

Description: High Jump

Today’s high jumpers use a technique called the Fosbury Flop.
Before that, athletes used the straddle technique. In 1968, Dick Fosbury competed in the Olympic Games and introduced his own high jump technique. He won the gold medal, and since then, his method has become the standard.

The Fosbury Flop involves jumping off one leg, turning your back toward the bar, and arching over it in a bridge position before landing on your back on the mats.

Steps:

• Sprint diagonally toward the bar and curve your path during the last three steps.
• Jump off your stronger leg and lead with your head and shoulders.
• The key principle of this technique is to keep as much of your body mass as possible below the level of the bar as you pass over it (see videos or pictures for reference).

Trainer Advice: High Jump

• If you want to improve your high jump technique or vertical leap, it’s best to train with a qualified track and field coach.
• Be aware that cycling and long-distance running can negatively affect your vertical jump performance.

Videos: High Jump

None available.