This leap, without a run, may be practised at the height,—
- 1. Of the knees.
- 2. Of the middle of the thighs.
- 3. Of the hips.
- 4. Of the lower ribs.
With a Run.
The run preceding the leap should never exceed ten paces, the distance between the point of springing and the cord being equal to half the cord’s height from the ground. The view of the leaper should be directed first to the spot whence he is to spring; and, the moment he has reached that, to the cord, accustoming himself to spring from either foot, and from both feet.
The instant the spring is made, or (if it be made with one foot) immediately after, the feet should be closed, and the knees drawn forcibly towards the chin. Throughout, flexibility and skill, not violent exertion, should be displayed. This leap, with a run, may be practised at the height,—
- 1. Of the hips.
- 2. Of the lower ribs.
- 3. Of the pit of the stomach.
- 4. Of the breast.
- 5. Of the chin.
- 6. Of the eyes.
- 7. Of the crown of the head.
Feats in High Leaping.
A good high leaper will clear five feet; a first-rate one, five and a half; and an extraordinary one, six feet. Ireland is mentioned as having cleared an extended cord at the height of fourteen feet. Another man, it is said, jumped to the height of seventeen feet, which was three times the height of his own body.[6]
[6] The author means, with the aid of a spring-board.—Ed. Fifth Edition.