How to Long Jump Using the Hitch Kick

Over time, a variety of long jump techniques have appeared in high-level competition. Currently, the most popular of these is the hitch kick, a graceful movement that makes the jumper look like he or she's running through the air. The hitch kick is an important technique for young jumpers to master because it gives them greater in-flight balance than either the hang or the sail techniques.

Instructions

    • 1

      Approach the board at full speed after taking your usual number of steps. Just like the hang and the sail, the hitch kick requires tons of momentum to work well.

    • 2

      Lower your center of gravity on your next-to-last step.

    • 3

      Slap your foot onto the board and propel yourself upward and outward. Thrust your free knee and the arm above your planted leg forward.

    • 4

      Extend your bent knee and pull it backward, just as if you were still running on the ground. At the same time, pull the opposite arm backward as well.

    • 5

      Circle your other arm behind your body and up over your head. Kick your planted leg forward so it points straight ahead.

    • 6

      Bring your trailing leg back forward and extend it so both your legs point forward and you're in a piked position. In doing this, swing both your arms forward and down so they move past your legs and behind your body.

    • 7

      Lean forward as you land in the sand so you don't fall backward and lose distance from your jump.