Modern Athletics 1868

CHAPTER VIII. JUMPING, JUMP^Grequires more suddeu contraction and expansion or the muscles than any other branch of pedestrianism, but is accompanied by fewer mishaps through over­ exertion. Leaping, as usually practised at modern ath­ letic meetings, maybe divided into high, broad, and polo jumping and hurdle racing. Yaulting, standing leaps, and the hop-step-and-jump, are nowalmost obsolete. SECTION I—HIGH JUMPING. Practice should commence at about three feet, which height shouldbe continued until the athlete has got the necessary muscles thoroughly flexible. When this has been accomplished the height may be gradually raised. About ten or a dozenpaces will be generally found a suf­ ficient run to take, but the distance varies according to lancy and habitwith nearly every leaper. Taking off at a distance ofhalf the height to be cleared is the best. .Never take too long a run, as it entails needless exhaus- tion. A great point in high jumping is to leap gracefully; to do this the legs hould be brought well up under the body m the leap,and care takento clear the barwith the trunk as well as the lower limbs, tlie jumper ali^htino* on the toss and balls ofthe feet. SECTION II.—WIDE JUMPING. This description of leaping is perhaps the easiest oafll. I ractice should commence at about tenoreleven feet, the distance being gradually increased. A run of about eighteen ortwenty paces is sufficient, and care must be taken not to getout of step in the runor take off before the scratch is reached. The run should be quick and practised frequently at sahort distance, if any difficulty