A System of Physical Education, Theoretical and Practical (extract)

LEAPING.a R u NNING has been characterized as a succession of leaps, because, as in the leap, both feet are at each step, for a space, removed from the ground ; and for the same reason, and in a similar sense, the leap may be viewed as a modified step, because when preceded by the run, it forms but the terminating step in the course; the whole momentum acquired by the preliminary run being here employed in a final effort, either on the plane of the course itself, or on one more or less vertical to it. The simplest form of leaping is the standing leap, which embraces a very extended series of exercises, all more or less valuable in preparing and strengthening the lower limbs for the more arduous modes of leaping, and for enabling the leaper to bring the upper limbs and the trunk itself to aid and assist in the effort. Of these the simple upward spring is the first; it is accomplished by the flexions and extensions of the trunk and lower limbs combined, the first act being to depress the trunk upon the thighs, pressing the hips to the rear and the knees prominently to the front, a See Appendix K. N