Athletics (British Sports Library)

198 ATHLETICS See that the jumper straightens out his rear leg and comes right up on the toes in making .the · spring. See that he throws the leading knee up swiftly and strongly and that the swing of the arms tends to lift the body into the air. Watch that the take-off foot is stamped down hard enough and that the forward body angle allows for a perfect leg drive to lift the body to its proper elevation in the air. Watch the shoot of the legs and the "break" landing. See that the back leg is drawn up slowly and smoothly from ·the take-off. See that the mid-air hitch-kick, if used, is con– trolled by the arms and well balanced. Jumping should be practised only on every other day. Moderation is the jumper's watchword. The alternate days may usefully be filled in with sprinting practice. Remember that your run-up and take-off must both be absolutely accurate. Therefore always measure the run marks with a tape, both for practice and competition.