The vertebral column, and consequently the whole of the trunk, being
thus bent forward, a strong contraction of the muscles preserves this
bending till the moment when the leap takes place; then, by sudden
contraction of the extensors, the body stretches out like a bow when
the string breaks, is thus jerked forward, and remains suspended a
longer or shorter time in the air.
In descending, the person should be rather inclined forward; and the
fall should take place on the fore part of the feet, bending the knees
and haunches, to deaden the shock and descent; for, the direct descent
in this leap, if not thus broken, would send its shock from the heels
to the spine and head, and might occasion injury. To perpendicularity
in this leap, should be added lightness, so that scarcely any noise
from the leap should be heard.