Athletics (British Sports Library)

220 ATHLETICS feet reach their maximum elevation. Good foot elevation should always be aimed at (see Sketches 5 and 6), as foot elevation is calculated to make up for any lack of approach speed. As he rises, the athlete must try to make a giant swing, and there– fore, does not draw in his knees too quickly. The body turns towards the pole as it rises, and the pull-up of the arms is completed by the time the feet get their highest elevation (Sketch 5). Note that the athlete is facing upwards and to the right and that the upper arms are held close into the body. A scissors kick must now be made. Sketch 6 shows the athlete just commencing the movement, in which the left leg will be kicked back and the right leg will sweep forward. Pay par– ticular attention to the fact that the legs are flexed at the knees, being held thus in reserve for the final push-away, and that he is also keeping the arms flexed and the hands close to the breast for the same purpose. The push-away is managed as shown in Sketch 7 It must be accomplished by pushing away from the pole and kicking the legs out straight, both actions to be performed vigorously. The clearance can be further aided by swinging the arms up and back in one movement (Sketch 8). The athlete immediately relaxes and drops into the sand-pit, about 5 or 6 feet from the take-of£ edge and facing the approach