HJ Steps

[DartMattHJ]

So the last two years I used a 9-step approach, but i went to a high jump camp and the coach told me even steps were better, and switched me to 8. I found i wasn't getting my speed up well enough, so i'm now experimenting with 10. What do you guys use for an approach, and do you have any advice?

[JumpinSkiing]

I do 8, planning on switching to 10 come outdoor when I can high jump a lot.

[THE DOLFIN]

ya depending on the height i am 8-10 steps away. its just whatever you get used to is probably best for you

[adrianli]

i do 10...but if you do 10, make sure you sprint the curve and not the straight

[Dazzy]

You dont have to run even steps in your approach......
although it would be better to have an odd number of strides on your curve.

Unless your jumper 30-40cm+ above you height 10 strides is overkill IMO you should be able to get enough speed of an 7-8 stride

I do a 8 stride approach normally, although i have been with 2cm of my pb off 5 strides.

[2minutemile]

I don't HJ but my friend HJ's 6' 6" and only does a 5 stride approach. Although he is a lanky bastard so i guess that's all he needs.

[HJfrick]

I don't HJ but my friend HJ's 6' 6" and only does a 5 stride approach. Although he is a lanky bastard so i guess that's all he needs.

5 total? or 5 lefts? Some people only count every time a certain foot hits. The standard approach is 8-10 in HS and 10 in college, but varies from jumper to jumper due to the different styles (power vs speed etc)