Running Recollections and How to Train

149 With regard to the questionof the long jump, onecannot get up too much pace before the take off,and plenty of space should be allowed for the run, to enable the jumper to spring when ho is at the top of his speed. Kemember to bring yourfeet well forward, stretching out your head and arms, sothat, after landing in the " batter," youdo not fall back into asitting position,and getdisqualified. Putting the shot is now general inmost schools for boys over 14, and any boy who will go in for one or two simple dumb-bell exerciseswill be able to add severalinches to his present putting form. It is a mistake to think that lifting heavy weights, or using heavy dumb-bells, helps onein putting theshot. Of course, strength, weight, andheight are of great importance, but there is also agood deal in the knackof putting. Perhaps thebest style to adopt in putting the weight is as follows :—Balance yourself on the right foot with the weight lyingin the palm of your right hand, lower the body slightly, and lean a little back. Then commence swinging your left leg once or twice to get up the impetus; then, taking a hopwith your right foot, still keeping your body slightly lowered,swing your left foot forward and plant it on the line as near the mark as possible. As you place your leftfoot on the line,shoot the weight away from you as smartly as possible, bringing your body to its full height, in this way getting the fulladvantage of all your inches andweight. Be very careful, however, noto let any part of your shoeoverstep themark, asthis will disqualify your put. Tug-of-war and throwing the hammer need not concern us here, but we will conclude this article with a few hints on hurdling. Very few boys can hope to be first-class hurdlers without a great deal of practice, andit is folly for a boy to compete