High Jump Training

The bar is set at a predetermined height and jumpers attempt to clear the bar. There are special high jump shoes with spiked heels used for gaining additional traction in the run up to the foul line. The approach to the bar is often more important than the actual take off. If you approach at the wrong angle or run without enough force, clearing the bar is more of a challenge. Jumpers run at an angle of 30-40 degrees, and it takes between 8 and 13 strides to get to the jumping line. There are many different styles of jumping. Rather, its first recorded event took place in 19th century Scotland. (Though there were similar events in the Olympiad and it is contested that the high jump has been occurring since ancient Greece, the Scottish version was almost identical, if not more elementary, than the jump of today.) In the good old days, jumpers gained momentum and strength by scissoring over the bar.

Within the first three steps of their approach they have already started their curve. Because it is hard to tell how fast you are accelerating and traveling during the curve, this leads to inconsistent jumps and poor performance. A simply ritual like rocking back on your back foot or doing two skips to start your approach lets your body know you are high jumping again. It can help you get incredible consistent because your muscles will get used to the repetition. You may not currently jump in any of your exercises but I believe jumping will benefit in your performance all the way across the board. A persons jumping ability is not a natural born talent as most believe, you can train your body to improve your jumping ability. Not only does high jump training improve your jumping ability, you will see positive results in other areas of performance.

The idea is to create a high jump training program that involves vertical jumping, fast action, and powerful movements. So in the process you will improve your cardio, strength, balance, coordination, and speed ability. I prefer choosing exercises that are exploding, which practically means your are putting a lot of energy into each exercise. Most exercises that I use would fall into plyometrics, but there are more specific vertical jump training exercises out there today. I believe that plyometrics is a better system, in that it is more of a total body workout. Some general exercises that I would recommend would be: wall vertical jump, different types of leg squats, jump roping, and jump boxes. The most vital component of any exercise program is proper warming up and cooling down. You will realize that jumping puts a lot of stress on your muscle, joints, and tendons. This why it is so important to properly stretch and cool down your body.