Begin by gentle runs of about three hundred yards, with a few low jumps, say ten, about three feet high. Practice over these jumps for a few days until the stiffness of the muscles wears off, and then gradually raise them to four feet or four feet six inches. If this height cannot be cleared easily, place the jumps at the most suitable height. Care must be taken to do them quickly and neatly. The run between may be slow, but the jumps should always be taken with a quick spring, landing on both feet every time. If this modus operandi is paid attention to, the muscles will soon become accustomed to the sharp contraction required, and the legs will, by keeping them well together over low jumps and alighting on both feet, lose their tendency to straddle when a higher jump than usual is attempted.

Some, when in practice for high jumps, strengthen their muscles by standing on one leg and lowering the body down until the hams touch the heels, and then raising themselves up gradually again. This action, however much it may be beneficial to the sinews, cannot but give them a tendency to be slow, which should be avoided as much as possible. A heavy coat, with a weight in both pockets, is of some service to those athletes stripped and ready to compete, as a great sense of lightness and elasticity is imparted to the frame on its removal. The heavy coat should never be worn except in the few minutes preceding the trial, as by constant use the good effects wear off. Always have a soft place to alight upon, as it not only eases the jar of the jump, but gives a jumper more confidence when he feels secure from the chances of a twist of the ankles on touching the ground. Hard turf, with very fine ashes rolled in until the surface is quite level, makes the best fair taking-off place both for high and broad jumping.