_Without a Run._
This is generally performed upon straight firm ground, on which there
are marks, or parallel lines, at equal distances. The first of these
lines is the place to leap from. The leapers succeed each other, and
clear a greater number of lines according to their strength and skill.
Here the feet are closed; the whole weight rests upon the balls of
the toes; and the body is inclined forward. Both arms are then swung
forward,--backward,--then drawn strongly forward,--and at the same
instant the limbs, having been bent, are extended with the utmost
possible force.
In performing this leap, the hands and body must be bent forward,
especially at the end of the movement, when the leaper alights. On
level ground twelve feet is a good standing leap; and fourteen is one
of comparatively rare occurrence.
_With a Run._
This leap is best executed with a run; and we have therefore dwelt
less upon the former. Here, also, the body must be inclined forward.
The run should be made over a piece of firm, and not slippery ground,
to the extent of ten, fifteen, or twenty paces; should consist of
small steps, increasing in quickness as they approach the point of
springing; and these should be so calculated as to bring upon the point
that foot with which the leaper is accustomed to spring. The spring,
as here implied, should be performed with one foot, and the arms
thrown forcibly towards the place proposed to be reached. The height
as well as the length of the leap, must be calculated; for the leap is
shortened by not springing a proper height. (Plate X. fig. 2.)
In the descent, the feet are closed, the knees bent, the upper part
of the body inclined forward, and the toes first touch the ground, at
which moment, a light spring, and afterwards some short steps, are
made, in order to avoid any sudden check. In a much extended leap,
however, alighting on the toes is impossible. A sort of horizontal
swing is then achieved, by which the leaper’s head is little higher
than his feet, and his whole figure is almost parallel with the ground;
and, in this case, to alight on the toes is impossible. Care must here
be taken not to throw the feet so much forward as to cause the leaper
to fall backward at the moment of descent. The ground must be cleared,
or the leap is imperfect and unfair.