Athletics

IOO ATHLETICS. are not quite high enough you will, almost involuntary, make the attempt to pull yourself up. Once you acquire this knack you will become more interested in the game, and make so rapid an improvement that you will surprise yourself at theheight youcan clear. A novice ought not to be too ambitious and attempt very lofty jumps, but practice steadily over a height he can accomplish withcomparative ease, as he will thereby make himself masterof the points which constitute perfection in jumping—learn how to start quickly, carry his pole properly, rise at the proper point, and throw away his pole at the exact moment. At home inthese details, he can then, but not till then, soarto greater heights and make his mark in open contests. Dropping over the Bar, —When you drop over the bar you must not come down holding yourself stiff; at the moment yourfeet touch, ease off the drop by lowering your body to the ground, asin catching a cricket ball. If you held your hands stiff, it would almost "knock them off;" by drawing them back instantly theball arrives youdo not feel it. You should drop with your back to the bar, and not twist round facingit. Finally, it is avery important point, not to be " feared," and think you cannot do a certainheight because itseems " to look at you." Keep on trying, and with custom and practice you will overcome this feeling, which is, after all, only nervousness. Pole jumping is a fine exercise for all the muscles and joints, improves a man's activity, andis capital practice for sprinters inthe artof getting quickly awayand running fast for the first twenty yards. For shoes, stout-built running pumps, with a strong spike in the heel,are required.