Success in Athletics and how to obtain it

THE HIGH-JUMP 93 with in Chap. I; for the moment, suffice it to say that the higher the arch of the instep the greater will be the elasticity of the sole, and on the way in which the leg is joined to the foot will depend the final impetus which the toes are able to give to the body as it rises from the ground. For the purpose of strengthening the upper part of the qody the athlete should undergo an ordinary course of work in the gymnasium, but should pay special attention to those exercises in which the Indian clubs are swung a! full length from the shoulders, as these exercises will teach him to swing his arms powerfully when controlling and turning the body in mid air. For those who are robust enough to stand it, a course of boxing is advised ; the continual shifting from one position to anqther and the rapidity of striking make the jumper particularly light on his feet and sure of his movements. The rough work of boxing will also serve to harden up his muscles, steady his nerves, and give judgement to his eye; the latter is a most important point, for the bar must be carefully watched throughout the jump. The foods which the jumper eats should be light and wholesome, such as will generate staying power and nervous energy without appreciably adding to his weight. As to the actual method of jumping. We would first point out three self-evident facts for the con– sideration of those athletes who are still jumping by the light of nature in the old "scissors " method which they learnt at school. I. It is the seat of the "silks" which usually removes the bar.