How to High Jump

You're in good company if you want to high jump. The high jump has been a track and field event since the days of the ancient Greek Olympic games. The technique has changed a lot since then, but with some study and a lot of practice, you can master it and jump even higher than the ancient Greeks.

Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare yourself out on the track. High jumping will require a lot of practice before you will be able to jump successfully. You should be in very good shape before you put your body through this strenuous activity.

    • 2

      Begin with your approach. The approach run for a high jump is shorter than that of a long jump. Place yourself approximately 10 to 13 strides from the bar. You'll be running at an angle, called a "J" curve.

    • 3

      Visualize your run and take off several times before attempting it.

    • 4

      Take five strides in a straight line. You will reach your maximum velocity at the end of your fifth stride.

    • 5

      Anticipate the bar on the fourth stride. Keep your eyes moving from straight in front of you to the area just above the bar.

    • 6

      Turn your feet into the curve pattern when you are about 15 feet away from the bar. Don't turn your outside shoulder ahead of your hips or inside shoulder. It should feel like you're running on the sides of your feet.

    • 7

      Hold your outside arm back on stride eight. Make your shoulders square with your hips and flex your take-off knee.

    • 8

      Move your free leg away from the bar and then flare your elbows out from your rib cage.

    • 9

      Lift off, bending your free leg a bit and extending your lift-off leg.

    • 10

      Rotate your body over the bar. Your knees should stay apart and you'll lift your hips over the bar. Tuck in your chin once your butt has made it past the bar. Practice until you think you're ready to compete in this track and field event.