wade parker

Video Review...Priceless
Almost half of all cell phones now have a way to record video which
gives you no excuse when you want to do some video review of yourself.
Have a friend record you taking two jumps. Go back and watch those
jumps and correct flaws in your approach, takeoff, and technique.
This will save your hours of time with a coach that is simply trying
to tell you what to do instead of letting you see for yourself. If you
want to improve quickly, watch yourself jumping...you will be amazed
at how you look on film.
If you can, put your movie on a computer so you can slow it down frame
by frame and watch each second of your jump at a time, then, find
videos of great high jumpers on the internet and compare your form to
theirs.
Plyometrics vs. Weights
If you are a beginning high jumper, don't worry so much about weights
and power lifting, work on developing a quick, light springiness in
your legs through plyometrics. Plyometrics are simply exercises that
don't use weights and include things like, lunges, frog hops,
bounding, etc. This will do two things for you. First, it will keep
your legs fresh for meets. Lifting weights all week long can make your
legs so tired that no matter how strong they are getting, they are
never fresh for a meet.
Second, it will prevent the risk of injury. Lifting hard can lead to
strains and overworking if your body isn't used to it.
If possible, do your plyometrics on grass to cushion your joints and
muscles. This will prevent shin splints and will keep you from getting
too tired too quick. Mix in some wind sprints to improve explosiveness
with your plyometrics. Don't let your coach force you to train with
sprinters either. Spring drills are great for long jumpers, but not so
for high jumpers.

Learn How To Jump Higher: http://groups.google.com.hk/group/jumpmanu/