GLOSSARY OF JUMPS
Toe-touch
In the air straddle in which both legs are even with hips.
(Arms are in a T)
Pike
Feet are straight out in front of you, and arms are parallel to legs.
Hurdler(Herkie)
One leg is straight to the side while the other is bent, knee pointing to the side(foot almost touching seat). Arms are in a T.
Front Hurdler
One leg is straight out in front of you (like doing a kick) while the other leg is bent, facing the same direction of the leg that is straight. (foot almost touching seat)Arms are straight out, parallel to legs with fists in candlestick position.
Double Hook
One leg is in "Indian style" while the other is bent, as in the hurdler(Herkie). Arms are in a T.
TOE-TOUCH TIPS
**The key to a good toe-touch is NOT in the jump, but in the
legs!
1)Here is a stretch that will help get your toe-touch higher: Sit on the ground in a stradle position with your legs as far apart as they will go. Next, put your hands behind you on the ground and lock out your elbows to use as a brace(do not cheat by moving your hands) Now, try to lift your legs as high off the ground as you can and hold that that position (Do not lean back or forward)At first, you may only be able to lift your legs about an inch or so, but it will get easier.
2)When leaving the ground, try lifting with your shoulders and upper body to pull yourself higher
3)Develop strong leg muscles to pull your legs higher. Jumping helps, but it is not the key to a high toe-touch
4)Do not put too much energy into the prep and do not bend your knees too much. It is harder for you to lift your legs which is how you get your jump higher.
5)Try "Angle Kicks". First, you do a regular toe-touch with a prep. As soon as you land, jump into the air with your arms in a touchdown position. When you land, automatically do a toe-touch, arms in T, without a prep. Do 3 toe-touches at a time, trying to get each one higher than the other. This is a
fast paced exercise with no pauses between jumps.
6)Try to stretch every day. It will help loosen the muscles. |
