High Jump
Fosbury Flop

WORLD RECORDS

Men
Javier Sotomayor - Cuba - 2.45m

Women
Stefka Kostadinova - Russia - 2.09m

The high jump comprises of three phases:- approach, take off and the flight.

Factors to look for in the approach:

Factors to look for on take off:

take off point is approx 0.5m to 0.75 metres from the near upright along the bar and out from the bar
take off foot is slightly ahead of the athlete's body
take off foot plant is heel first to provide the maximum lever
take off foot is pointing towards a position halfway between the middle of the bar and the far upright (10° to 20°)
take off foot is in alignment with the take off leg
hips are forward
inside shoulder is high
the trunk is upright and leaning slightly back - not leaning towards the bar
hips are at 45° to the bar and the shoulders at 90°
there is quick and vigorous movement of free limbs
the inside shoulder does not drop in towards the bar
rotation comes from the non jumping side i.e. the free leg and shoulder pulling across the body
the leg nearest the bar is driven up bent and high at the opposite upright, thigh and foot parallel with the ground and lower leg vertical
both arms are swung forwards and upwards with the free leg

Once off the ground factors to look for in the flight:

inside knee stays up at bar level
heels are pulled back towards the head (arching the back)
knees bent and wide apart
arms in a crucifix position or held by the side
head back and looking towards the far back corner of the mat (forces the hips to stay high)
once the hips are over the bar the legs are snapped straight from the knees
landing on the shoulders