HIGH JUMP

JUMPING

Jumping of all types is important
from a military point of view because
it develops agility, leg muscles, coor-
dination, and confidence.

The niceties of form are not too
carefully observed in the Army and
Navy conditioning program. But for
practice in the gym and on the athletic
field, it pays to jump with proper form.

Good form adds distance or height,
and better conditions the body. Thus,
under military conditions, it produces
superior performance.

HIGH JUMP (Western Roll): Be-

BROAD JUMP

cause the Western Roll allows for a
low center of gravity, it is generally
considered the most efficient style of
jumping.

The start is from either side and
from a point 25 to 40 feet from the
bar. Most western rollers approach the
bar at a lope, with a speed up on the
last four strides. They hit down hard
with the near leg at a point two to four
feet in front of the bar.

The other leg is thrown vigorously
forward and upward, with the arms
aiding the lift. When the left leg is

well on its way up, the right knee is
straightened and rocks up completely
on the toe.

At the highest point of the jump the
left leg is straight and the right is bent
so that the thigh is parallel to the bar.
This is known as the layout. The body
rolls over as the bar is crossed and falls
to the ground with the head lower than
the hips and facing the pit.

BROAD JUMP: No jumper should
begin practicing this event until his
legs are in shape to carry him full speed
for 100 yards without tiring.

Our top-flight broad jumpers take a
60 to 90 foot run at top speed. Speed
is essential to gain maximum velocity.
They hit the takeoff board forcibly with
the foot that is most comfortable for

them (in this case, it’s the right). The
other leg then drives up and is thrust
forward as high and as powerfully as
possible.

As the jumper floats through the
air, the head is erect and the arms aid
in keeping the body erect.

The trailing arm comes forward as
the jumper starts dropping into the pit,
and the legs come together. The weight
is shifted ahead of the feet, to avoid
falling backward in the landing. Note
how both legs are stretched fully for-
ward with the feet together, giving the
jumper every possible inch of distance.

There is another type of footwork
known as the hitch-kick. In this, the
jumper keeps kicking his feet as he
floats through the air (“running in
air