Frederick Potter The high jump is a track and field event that combines athleticism, technique, and a bit of bravery as athletes propel themselves over a horizontal bar set at progressively higher heights. If you’re looking to build your own high jump setup, whether for a school, training facility, or even a backyard, having the right equipment is crucial. Setting up a proper high jump area ensures that athletes can train safely and effectively while honing their skills. Here’s a guide to the essential equipment you’ll need to get started.
The Basics: High Jump Standards and Crossbar
At the heart of any high jump equipment are the standards and the crossbar. The standards are the vertical poles that hold the crossbar at the desired height. These need to be sturdy and adjustable, allowing the bar to be raised or lowered according to the skill level of the athlete. Most high jump standards come with a mechanism that makes it easy to fine-tune the height in small increments, which is essential for both training and competition.
The crossbar itself is another key piece of equipment. Typically made from fiberglass or a similar lightweight material, the crossbar must be both flexible and durable. It needs to be strong enough to maintain its shape when resting on the standards but light enough to fall off easily if the jumper makes contact. This ensures that the bar doesn’t impede the jumper’s progress but still provides a clear indication of whether the jump was successful.
Safety First: Landing Mats
Perhaps the most important component of any high jump setup is the landing mat. After all, even the most skilled jumpers occasionally come down hard, and a good mat is essential for absorbing the impact of a fall and preventing injuries. High jump mats are typically large, thick, and made from foam or other cushioning materials. They are designed to provide a soft landing surface that helps protect athletes as they come down from heights.
When selecting a landing mat, consider the thickness and size. The mat should be thick enough to provide adequate cushioning and large enough to accommodate different types of jumps. Some mats are modular, allowing you to add or remove sections depending on the space available or the level of competition. It’s also a good idea to look for mats that have a durable cover, as they will need to withstand repeated use and exposure to the elements if used outdoors.
Proper placement of the mat is crucial. It should be positioned directly beneath the crossbar, with enough surface area to ensure that the jumper lands safely no matter where they clear the bar. For additional safety, you can place smaller mats around the primary landing mat to cover any exposed areas, ensuring that the entire landing zone is well-protected.
Measuring Tools: Accuracy and Consistency
In high jump, precision is everything. Having the right measuring tools ensures that the bar is set at the correct height and that athletes can accurately track their progress. A height gauge or measuring stick is essential for verifying the height of the crossbar. These tools are usually marked with both metric and imperial units, making it easy to set the bar to the exact desired height.
For training purposes, you might also consider using a laser height gauge. This tool can be particularly useful for ensuring that the crossbar is level and consistent across both standards. While not always necessary, having precise measurements helps athletes focus on improving their technique without worrying about inconsistencies in their setup.
Building a high jump setup requires careful consideration of the necessary equipment to ensure both safety and performance. By investing in sturdy high jump standards, a reliable crossbar, proper landing mats, and accurate measuring tools, you can create a setup that allows athletes to practice their jumps with confidence. Whether you’re setting up for training or competition, having the right high jump equipment in place is the key to helping jumpers reach new heights—both literally and figuratively.