Athletics

99 used for high jump practice) to the top, at one inch apart, to take the pegs * supporting the cross-bar.The latter ought to be about 13 ft. long by 1 in. square, made of deal wood, and several ought to be kept handy, tomake break­ ages good. The Pole is most important. It must be made of the very best hickory-wood, 13 or 14 ft. long, and about if in. thick in centre, tapered to ii ins. at each end. The bottom must be bound withan iron hoop,and havea steel spike withthree prongs, ins. long; these steadythe pole and enablea firmer grip tobe taken of the ground. The Start. —Inholding the pole, first measure off height of cross-bar; then take hold about 6 in. higher up, the right hand above withan under grip, the left below with an over grip, a foot or eighteen inches apart. If the pole is lightly marked off in rings, it will help in fixing the proper height. Stand easily with the spikeend of the pole raised, but not too high, ready for— The Run. —Thismay be of about 20 yards, more or less, according to the distance whichsuits you best. Running up at full speed, you plant the spiked end of the pole about 18 in. before a point immediately below the cross-bar; at the same moment spring from the ground; stick to your hold of the pole as you rise with it. As you near the cross-bar throwyour legs forward and upward over it. When you feel you are properly poised, and high enough, letgo the pole, so that it may fall backward and yourself alight on the other side,dropping plump, andnot in a struggling heap. With constant practice you will be able to do the "scrambling" style, i.e. climb the pole whilst in mid-air. After a little it will come quite natural; when you find you * See also patentplates and slips, p. 94.