Success in Athletics and how to obtain it

THE HIGH-JUMP 91 rewarded for the trouble he has taken, by the victory he will attain. Then also there is the question of the cultivation of nerve force, and here environment and diet enter largely into the case. To the jumper it is all-important that he should take no exercise which will be likely to impair the springi– ness of his muscles. Therefore he cannot build up his staying powers by going for long-distance runs; he should rather generate his forces by quarter and half-mile runs, which at the same time will tend to add to the elas~icity of his muscles. Sprinting practice will not harm him. As to the jumping practice, this should always be at such a height as he can be sure of clearing; it should be his object to acquire good style rather than to clear great heights, for the height will come of itself when the method has been mastered. One " all out" jump, made occasionally to see what one is really capable of, is good, for improving powers tend to encourage the man in training-but, mind, it must be very occasionally, and then rather as a test of progress than as a part of the practice. · For the continual effort of jumping " all out" will be very bad for the muscles, as their springiness will soon be worn out in ili~w~ · Never, under any circumstances, must the athlete allow himself to be persuaded to jump unless a sand– pit is provided for him to land in. The shock of landing on hard turf is too great ; it not only bruises the muscles, but also acts in a deleterious manner upon the spine. , Moreover, without the sand-pit the athlete will hardly dare to let himself go "all out," if he has the knowledge that serious bodily harm may result if he is not clever enough to land on his feet.