Athletics (British Sports Library)

208 ATHLETICS The free leg now goes over the bar, and the take– off leg is drawn up level with the other (Sketch 4). The balance positions of the arms and hands should be noted. The leading leg is now stretched out straight and . the knee of the take-off leg drawn in to the breast (Sketch 5). This movement comprises a jerk and takes place just when the seat is directly over the bar (Sketch 4). This jerk hitches the seat upwards and outwards away from the bar, but it must be well timed. If the rear leg come~ too near the bar, there will be no ti~e to draw the knee up to the breast ; also if the free leg is straightened too soon it will hit the bar and the body will not be able to bring about the proper twist. As tbe free leg is straightened and the knee of the take-off leg drawn in to the breast, the body twists towards the bar (Sketch 5). The body then turns still more towards the bar, the take-off leg is straightened, the free leg swings up behind the body (Sketch 6), while the arms are carried in one move– ment forward and upward (Sketch 6), the jumper finally landing upon the leg from which he jumped, and virtually facing the bar he has cleared. It is important to remember that the free leg should be ·on its way downward while the take-off leg is on its way upward. It is the impetus of the take-off, or spring, which carries the jumper's seat