High jump athletics training

Although the high jump is a very specific athletics event, training strategies to compete in the high jump have many similarities to other track and field events.

As with all athletics disciplines, conditioning is crucial, and the most important fitness element you'll need to develop for the high jump is explosive power. Here are some tips on how to maximise your explosive power for the high jump:

Strength training
Using weights and resistance work, adapt your body anatomically to the sport, then maximise your strength.

Event-specific training
Practice your jumping to convert the strength you've developed into explosive power. What's more, your overall training programme should focus on developing the same muscle groups in the same movement patterns as you'll use in the event itself. This is the way to convert your general strength base into event-specific skills.

Regeneration
Don't forget to allocate a phase of your annual training plan to regenerative and compensation training. You'll be placing an enormous amount of stress on certain joints and muscle groups while you're training and competing for your event. By spending some time on strength training that balances your upper and lower body, and right and left side, you could prevent injury from longterm over-use of your joints and muscles.