Athletics (British Sports Library)

THE LONG JUMP 197 At the same time that you are perfecting the run practise also the take-off and the body-lift into the air. This can be done by making the jump at the end of a 15 yards run. In this exercise, concentrate all your thoughts upon achieving height and not distance. As the style is worked in and the run begins to. form, practis~ the fast run-up culminating in a light jump, then a medium pace approach with a vigorous take-off to lift you high into the air ; add to this the mid-air body movements in due course. After a while try steady running and jumping, combined at such a pace that leaves you perfect body control throughout ; gradually increase the speed of run and force of take-off until you have it pat at full pressure. Concentrate also on the " break " landing already described. Get the instructor, or games master, or failing them, another long jumper, to help you with your preparation. The instructor should watch for any of . the following faults, and observe the following points : The run-up must be long enough to allow the jumper to work up to his maximum sprint speed as he approaches the board. It must not be so long that he uses up all his forces in the sprint. Watch the body angle, as well as the position at the take-off.