High Jump Technique: The Approach

This article is designed to help high jump coaches and beginning high jumpers. I was a high jumper for seven years throughout high school and college and have gained many insights into the high jump technique during that time. The first article will deal with how to properly execute the high jump approach run.

The Approach

The approach involves running toward the high jump “pit,” the term usually given to the cushioning mats that will support the jumper during landing. The modern high jump approach makes the jumper run in a distinctive shape along the track surface toward the pit, akin to a letter “J”. The long part of the “J” is the beginning of the approach and follows a straight path. About two thirds into the approach, the jumper will begin to curve toward the high jump mats, eventually reaching a point close enough to begin the jump.

The purpose of the approach is to maximize speed to allow conversion of horizontal momentum into vertical momentum, to lower the center of gravity of the jumper for maximum power, and to place the jumper in the proper position for their flight over the bar. The name of the game is to jump high, so we need an approach that is going to put the jumper over the bar as vertically as possible. So, without further ado, I will break down the approach.