Coaching Young Athletes

4 Simple Steps To Measure A Basic High Jump Approach

The approach run is the key to the “flop” style high jump.

The approach sets up a young athlete’s flight path and, if performed properly, allows the jumper to rotate correctly in the air over the crossbar.

A good run-up will also allow an athlete to take off at a distance from the crossbar that results in the peak height of the jump occurring directly above the crossbar. Too close a take-off risks the athlete hitting the bar on the way up. Too far away from the bar can lead to the athlete hitting the bar on the way down.

A “flop” high jump approach follows a basic J-shaped curve where the first few steps of the run-up are performed in a straight line and the last few are performed on a smooth curve.

A “flop” approach follows a J-shaped curve

The straight part of the run-up is used to build up speed, and the curve is used to build up forces that will allow the athlete to rotate correctly over the bar.

An 8 to 12 stride approach is suitable for most young athletes. My preference is a 9 or 10 stride run-up. An athlete will use a 9-stride approach if they start with their take-off foot behind at the beginning of their run-up. They will use a 10-stride approach if they start with their take-off foot in front.

Measuring Out a J-Curve High Jump Run-Up

There is no definitive or best way to measure out a high jump run-up. All coaches and athletes will have their individual preference. The steps outlined below will act as a simple starting point for a young athlete.

The following sequence assumes that the athlete has already worked out whether they will be running in from the left or right-hand-side of the landing mats. (An athlete taking off from their right foot will approach from the left side. An athlete taking off from their left foot will approach from the right side).

Step 1

Standing with their back to the nearest upright, the athlete takes three normal walking paces directly away from the upright in a direction that is perpendicular to the crossbar.

Take 3 paces away from the upright.

Step 2

The athlete turns 90 degrees outwards and takes two normal walking paces in a direction that would be parallel to the crossbar.

Take 2 paces outwards

Step 3

The athlete turns 90 degrees away from the landing area and takes another four normal walking paces. They place a check mark at this point.

Take another 4 paces away from the mats

This should place the athlete at the starting point for a 5-stride curved approach to the bar. This also marks the point at which the athlete will begin the curved part of their run-up when using a full-length approach.

A 5-stride approach

Step 4

To measure out a full 9 or 10-stride run-up the athlete simply runs another 4 or 5 strides away from the landing area and marks this as the run-up starting point.

The full approach begins with 4 or 5 strides in a straight line and then the final 5 strides on the curve. The athlete should run around the outside of the check marks.

A full 9 or 10-stride approach

The athlete and/or coach can then adjust the run-up starting point and check marks as required.

Summary

1. Take three paces away from the nearest upright.
2. Turn 90 degrees and take two paces outwards.
3. Turn 90 degrees and take another four paces away from the landing mats.
4. Run another 4-5 strides away from the mats.

Do you have any high jump run-up measuring tips?

I would love for you to share any other methods or tips that may help young athletes measure out their high jump run-up. You can do this by leaving a reply/comment or by using the below contact details.

Further reading

Articles:

4 Ways to Ruin a High Jump Run-Up

Books:

Winning Jumps and Pole Vault from Amazon US Store

101 High Jump Drills from Amazon US Store

Fundamentals of Track and Field from Amazon US Store

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