High Jump Skills, Techniques and Officiating for JSS 1

High Jump Skills, Techniques and Officiating for JSS 1

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. perform basic skills and techniques in high jump correctly;
2. officiate in high jump.

Introduction to High Jump

High jump is an athletics event where athletes attempt to jump over a horizontal bar placed at a certain height without knocking it down. The goal is to clear the highest possible bar height.

This event requires a combination of speed, strength, agility, and precise technique to achieve a successful jump. Athletes use specific movements to gain momentum, lift their bodies over the bar, and land safely.

Basic Skills and Techniques in High Jump

Performing a successful high jump involves several interconnected skills and techniques. Each part of the jump is important for clearing the bar and landing safely.

Approach Run

The approach run is the initial movement an athlete makes before reaching the take-off point. It helps the jumper build speed and prepare the body for the vertical leap.

A typical approach run for high jump is curved, often shaped like a ‘J’. The athlete starts with a few straight steps, then curves towards the bar. This curved path helps to create the necessary body lean and rotation for clearing the bar.

During the approach, the athlete gradually increases speed, focusing on smooth, controlled steps. The last few steps are crucial for setting up the take-off.

Take-off

The take-off is the moment the athlete leaves the ground to begin the jump. It is a powerful action that converts the horizontal speed from the approach run into vertical lift.

For the take-off, the athlete plants one foot firmly on the ground, usually the foot furthest from the bar. At the same time, the other leg (the free leg) swings upwards forcefully, and both arms are thrown up to help lift the body. This action propels the body upwards and over the bar.

Flight

Flight is the phase where the athlete’s body is in the air, moving over the crossbar. During this phase, the athlete’s body position is adjusted to clear the bar without touching it.

As the athlete goes over the bar, the body arches, with the back facing the bar and the head and shoulders dropping first. The legs are then lifted over the bar. The aim is to get the centre of gravity as low as possible while clearing the bar.

Landing

Landing is the safe return to the ground after clearing the bar. In high jump, athletes land on a thick, soft mattress to prevent injuries.

After clearing the bar, the athlete lands on their back and shoulders on the landing mattress. The soft surface absorbs the impact, ensuring a safe landing.

Recovery

Recovery is the action of getting up safely from the landing mattress after a jump. It involves carefully rolling off the mattress and standing up.

After landing on the back, the athlete should roll to one side and then push up to a standing position. This ensures that the body is not twisted or strained after the impact of the landing.

Performing High Jump Techniques

Practising the high jump techniques helps to improve performance and ensure safety. It is important to have the correct equipment and follow the steps carefully.

The required materials for high jump practice are:

1. High jump pitch (a clear, level area)
2. Poles and crossbar
3. Landing foam/mattress
4. Sports wear

The procedure for performing a high jump involves the following steps:

1. Preparation: Put on appropriate sportswear. Ensure the high jump mattress is correctly positioned and safe. Check that the crossbar is stable on the uprights.
2. Approach Run: Start a few metres away from the bar. Begin with a few straight steps, then curve towards the take-off point, gradually increasing speed. Maintain a smooth and controlled run.
3. Take-off: As the take-off point is reached, plant the take-off foot firmly on the ground. Swing the free leg and both arms upwards powerfully to propel the body vertically.
4. Flight: Once airborne, arch the back over the crossbar, aiming to get the head and shoulders over first. Keep the body relaxed and try not to touch the bar.
5. Landing: Land on the back and shoulders on the centre of the landing mattress. Spread the body to distribute the impact.
6. Recovery: After landing, roll gently to one side and then push up to a standing position. Move away from the landing area to allow the next jumper.

Safety Tip: Always ensure the landing mattress is thick and properly placed. Never attempt high jump without proper supervision or on a hard surface.

Officiating in High Jump

Officiating in high jump involves ensuring that the competition is fair, rules are followed, and results are accurately recorded. Officials play a crucial role in the smooth running of the event.

Role of Officials

High jump officials have several responsibilities:

1. They ensure that the high jump equipment (poles, crossbar, mattress) is set up correctly and safely.
2. They measure the height of the crossbar accurately before each round of jumps.
3. They observe each jump to determine if it is successful or a foul according to the rules.
4. They use flags to signal the outcome of each attempt.
5. They record the results of each athlete’s jumps.
6. They ensure fair play and resolve any disputes that may arise during the competition.

Equipment for Officiating

Officials use specific tools to carry out their duties effectively:

1. Measuring Tape: Used to accurately measure the height of the crossbar from the ground.
2. Flags: Typically, a white flag indicates a successful jump, and a red flag indicates an unsuccessful jump or a foul.
3. Score Sheet/Record Book: Used to record each athlete’s attempts, successful heights, and fouls.

Basic Officiating Rules

To officiate effectively, it is important to know the basic rules of high jump:

1. Attempts: Each athlete is allowed three attempts to clear a given height. If all three attempts at a particular height are failed, the athlete is eliminated from the competition.
2. Knocking the Bar: If an athlete knocks the crossbar off its supports during an attempt, it is considered a foul.
3. Touching the Ground: If an athlete touches the ground beyond the uprights or between the uprights without clearing the bar, it is a foul.
4. Take-off Foot: An athlete must take off from one foot only. Using two feet for take-off is a foul.
5. Raising the Bar: After an athlete successfully clears a height, the crossbar is usually raised to the next predetermined height for the next round of jumps.
6. Signalling: After each jump, an official signals the result. A white flag means the jump was successful. A red flag means the jump was unsuccessful or a foul occurred.

How to Officiate a High Jump Attempt

The procedure for officiating a high jump attempt involves the following steps:

1. Check the Bar: Before an athlete’s attempt, ensure the crossbar is correctly placed and stable at the required height. Use the measuring tape to confirm the height.
2. Observe the Athlete: Watch the athlete carefully from the start of their approach run until they land. Pay attention to their take-off foot and whether they touch the bar.
3. Judge the Attempt: Determine if the athlete cleared the bar without knocking it down, or if any foul occurred (e.g., two-foot take-off, touching the ground beyond the uprights).
4. Signal the Result: Immediately after the jump, raise the appropriate flag. Raise a white flag for a successful jump or a red flag for an unsuccessful jump or a foul.
5. Record the Result: Mark the outcome of the jump on the score sheet for the athlete. Note the height attempted and whether it was a pass (P) or a fail (F).
6. Reset the Bar: If the bar was knocked down, replace it carefully for the next attempt or next athlete.