STANDARD
Purpose
The High Jumper is the third exercise in the Preparation Drill.
This exercise promotes correct jumping, landing, balance, and coordination, and it prepares the Soldier to build explosive strength.
Cadence
Soldiers conduct the movement in formation at a moderate cadence.
Starting Position
● The starting position for the High Jumper is the Forward Leaning Stance, palms facing inwards, fingers and thumbs extended and joined.
Count
● On count 1, swing the arms forward until they are parallel to the ground.
At the same time, jump a few inches vertically.
● On count 2, land softly on the balls of the feet and return to the starting position.
Maintain the same distance between the feet as during the Forward Leaning Stance.
● On count 3, swing the arms vigorously forward and overhead to unweight the upper body.
At the same time, jump forcefully straight up from the ground.
● On count 4, land softly on the balls of the feet and return to the starting position.
Check Points
● At the starting position, the shoulders, the knees and the balls of the feet should form a straight vertical line.
● On count 1, the arms are parallel to the ground.
● On count 3, the arms should be extended fully overhead.
The trunk and legs should also be in line.
● On each count the Soldier is jumping.
On counts 1. 2 and 4, the jumps are 4-6 inches off the ground.
On count 3, the Soldier jumps higher (6-10 inches) while maintaining the posture pictured in Figure 6-60.
● On each landing, the feet should be directed forward and maintained at shoulder distance apart.
The landing should be “soft” and proceed from balls of the feet to the heels.
The vertical line from the shoulders through the knees to the balls of the feet should be demonstrated on each landing.
Precautions
N/A
HIGH JUMPER (MODIFIED)
The High Jumper may be modified by decreasing the range of motion of one or both arms, the height of the jumps, and the cadence.
Figure 3-16 gives one example of the modified movement Soldiers conduct by changing the standard moderate cadence to slow:
Cadence
Slow cadence
Starting Position
The starting position for the modified High Jumper is the Forward Leaning Stance with a reduced squat, palms facing inwards, and fingers and thumbs extended and joined.
Count
● On count 1, swing the arms forward until they are parallel to the ground.
At the same time lift the heels off the ground a few inches without jumping.
● On count 3, swing the arms as far overhead as possible.
At the same time lift the heels off the ground a few inches without jumping.
● On count 4, return to the starting position by lowering the heels back to the floor.