Success in Athletics and how to obtain it

SUCCESS IN ATHLETICS So much for the pit in competition-the pit for practice is absolutely essential if the athlete is to try experi– ments in body-movement and control, which ex– periments are as likely to land him on the back of his neck as on the soles of his feet ! The track work, however, only forms a very small part of the training of the high-jumper ; by means of running,. skipping, and exercises he must build up his legs, but almost more important is the supple strength of his body. For, although great springing powers are required to raise the human frame, say, 5 ft. 4 in. clear above the ground, yet colossal strength and agility are necessary to convert that 5 ft. 4 in. into 6 feet by means of body-control; for it must be re– membered that the body-movements take place in the air, absolutely unsupported, as will be seen from the photographs, figs. 30 and 3 I, and cinematograph pic– tures, fig. 32. The main part of these body-movements come from the hips and shoulders, on which hang the legs and arms, and are controlled to a large extent by the strength of the muscles of the back and abdomen. Apart from the necessity of having sufficient strength, agility, and knowledge to carry out the evolutions, it will be necessary for the athlete to practise until the method becomes almost second nature to him, and the movements are smoothly knit into the perfect whole without break or check in the rhythm. Then, and then only, can the highest degree of proficiency be attained. To the high-jumper, as to the sprinter and hurdler, the feet are at the root of all his failures or successes, for on their condition depend his springing powers. The proper formation of the athlete's feet is dealt