Athletics (British Sports Library)

222 ATHLETICS, the cross-bar is directly .above the rear wall of the slide-way. For the guidance of the novice it may be stated that a vault over a bar set at 8 feet higtl usually calls for a take-off mark _7 feet . pack from a line directly below the bar; as the height increases, the take-off mark is moved farther back from the line under the bar. In training, the athlete must perfect his approach run, and sly:mld learn, first at a walk and then at a run, the quick thrust of the point of the pole into the slide-way, the hand-slide, and t~ trick of push– ing the shaft of the pole out in front of him. He should 'get this fairly certain before he attempts an actual vault. The first consideration is to attain correct form, when the height will look after itself ; even so, do not train in vaulting more than four days a week and only once a week for height ; read the train.ing advice given to High Jumpers in this connection. Since speed is so important a factor, sprinting must be practised. The necessity for building up a strong body and strong arms is ob– vious ; .therefore utilize the winter months for gymnastic work, such as rope climbing, bar exercises, to make the arms and shoulders as strong .as possible.. The high jump should also be practised to make the muscles of the legs strong and flexible. Practise some v(!.ults from a standing position, at a walk, ap,d