121. The High Jump: Technique and Teaching
With Boo Schexnayder
Learn every phase of the high jump with detailed technique instruction, approach and takeoff strategies, teaching progressions, and practical coaching systems for developing high jumpers at every level.
~9 Hrs. Duration
52 Pages of Course Materials
15 Knowledge Retention Checks
Syllabus
01
Understanding the foundational role of the curved approach in high jump technique, and learn how tangential forces determine bar clearance.
Basic High Jump Biomechanics
02
Approach Basics
Learn how to structure and personalize the high jump approach—from step counts to foot selection—to build momentum, ensure consistency, and set up a technically sound takeoff.
03
The Start
Refining the start to build momentum, reinforce consistency, and set the foundation for an efficient high jump approach.
04
The Drive Phase
Build momentum and proper posture in the early steps of the approach by mastering the drive phase, setting the tone for an efficient transition into the curve.
05
Transition Into the Curve
Mastering the transition steps into the curve ensures a smooth shift from linear momentum to tangential force production—setting up the body position and lean needed for an effective takeoff.
06
The Curve
Harness proper sprint mechanics and body alignment to generate tangential forces in the curve—crucial for building lift and setting up an efficient takeoff.
07
Arrival at Takeoff
Maintain optimal takeoff location, curve mechanics, and body alignment in the final steps to ensure a smooth, vertical launch and clean bar clearance.
08
Visual Focus in the Approach
Training the eyes to guide the body— visual checkpoints from start to takeoff to enhance spatial awareness, consistency, and performance.
09
Preparation
Set up for vertical lift by refining penultimate step mechanics, managing center of mass, and preserving rhythm through the final strides of the approach.
10
The Takeoff
Maximize vertical lift and initiate key body rotations by combining precise posture, explosive leg action, and synchronized arm and free leg swing.
11
Flight
Execute smooth, efficient flight mechanics by accelerating rotation, maintaining spatial awareness, and avoiding mid-air compensations over the bar.
12
Assembling the Approach
Learn how to estimate, test, and refine approach layout to support consistency, generate force, and optimize jump performance.
13
Triangulating the Approach
Use geometric principles to set accurate checkmarks and eliminate spatial guesswork—ensuring a consistent, repeatable approach every time.
14
Teaching Systems for the High Jump
Develop high jumpers through a progressive teaching system—starting with general jumping skills and curve mechanics, and advancing to technical drills, short-run jumps, and full-approach execution.
15
Coaching Practices for the High Jump
Apply season-long coaching strategies that emphasize approach consistency, curve refinement, and confidence-building progressions—while using structured drills and patient technical teaching to avoid long-term setbacks.
16
Follow-Up Questionnaire and Certification
FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONNAIRE: High Jump: Technique and Teaching
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION: High Jump: Technique and Teaching
Meet Your Instructor
Boo Schexnayder
Irving “Boo” Schexnayder is regarded as one of the world’s leading authorities in training design. Over his 40-year career, Schexnayder has been part of 13 NCAA Championship teams and coached 26 individual NCAA Champions, 18 Olympians, and 7 World Championship medalists.
Each Course Includes
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Contact us.
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No, you can choose to enroll at any time you’d like, and take however much time you want to; the course will always be there for whatever timeline suits you.
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Yes and no– it is not possible to download the video lessons, but you can download all PDF materials.
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There is no time limit to your login, and you can go back and look at any part of the course you want at any time.
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You must show that you have an understanding of the material by achieving a mark of 80% or higher on the Knowledge Retention Checks– but don’t worry, you can take those Knowledge Retention Checks more than one time if need be.
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For any course content, we encourage you to write the questions in the Ascent Track Discord in each class section. For any technical issues, you can contact us at support@ascenttrackclinics.com
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High Jump: Technique and Teaching is a comprehensive course designed to equip coaches and athletes with the knowledge and systems needed to teach and perform the high jump at all levels.
Developed and led by Coach Boo Schexnayder, the course breaks down each phase of the high jump—from the start through the approach, takeoff, flight, and bar clearance—into detailed, teachable components.
Participants will explore how to generate tangential forces through curve mechanics, apply proper takeoff and flight techniques, and use visual focus and alignment strategies to enhance performance.
The course also includes practical systems for assembling and triangulating approaches, teaching foundational and high jump-specific skills, and implementing season-long coaching progressions.
Emphasizing both biomechanical precision and effective coaching methodology, this course provides a clear, progressive framework for developing successful high jumpers.