Whether you're training a group of school children or working with professionals, having a safe landing area is an essential part of the high jump setup. The Celts were the first to practice the discipline of the high jump with the first competition taking place in England in the mid-19th century. Largely a male-dominated sport, 1895 saw the first female competition take place in the United States. The high jump became a discipline in the Olympic Games a year later.
You will find many different models of high jump mats for high jump training in schools and clubs in our online store. There are a few things you should consider and be aware of before making your purchase. We've pulled all of the most important information together to form our buying guide. To buying guide »
Polanik Multicube High Jump Mat for Competitions - 6 x 4 x 0.7 m
The Construction of the High Jump Mat Determines Their Use
Knowing and understanding the cushioning properties of a landing mat is vital to ensure the safety of an athlete when jumping. Here at Full Athletics, we sell a multitude of mats with different foam core systems. There is a significant difference between the distance an athlete will drop in the high jump and the drop distance in the pole vault. It is very important to use the right cushioning method for each discipline.
The Monocube System
Landing mats employing the monocube system tend to have more solid cushioning properties. They are best suited to situations where jump heights are on the lower end of the scale. Our high jump mats with monocube systems are used primarily in schools, where the ability level is typically lower than that in clubs.
Mats with the Hollow Chamber System
The foam elements in this system have hollow channels running through them. This gives the mat softer cushioning properties than those built with the monocube system, making it a perfect landing solution for jumps at greater heights.
The Double Hollow Chamber System
Landing mats built with this type of system guarantee an extra-soft landing. The hollow channels are arranged crossways to one another, making this system highly unique. These types of landing mats are also well-suited for pole vaulting. They are used primarily in club and competitive sports, as they are ideal for athletes performing at a high level.
High jump landing mats are also comprised of a foam top pad and a cover made from robust material. Together, these two layers protect the inner foam core system from damage, thereby prolonging its lifespan. Would you like to build a complete setup for the high jump? You'll find everything you need in our online store.
If you're looking to create an entire high jump setup, you'll also need to consider high jump crossbars and crossbar ropes? And of course, have an accurate way to measure the athletes' achieved jumping heights. With our specially designed measuring devices you can be certain of a fair and accurate competition.
Where will the high jump mat be used?
Consider where you intend to use the high jump landing mat before making any purchase. Are you looking for a mat for outdoor use? Or are you planning on building a high jump setup inside? When building a setup outside it's also important to consider purchasing some form of protection for the mat against the weather. For setups inside, we highly recommend buying an anti-slip underlay as well. It is also important to note that athletes performing at a more advanced level will wear shoes with spikes. In our online store, you will find landing mats with a protective layer of fabric, known as the spike protection grid, to prevent these types of shoes from causing damage.
A Summary of High Jump Jump Techniques
- The Fosbury Flop Technique: this is one of the most well-known high jump techniques and is named after the athlete Dick Fosbury. Fosbury won the gold Olympic medal in the high jump by using this technique in 1968 in Mexico City. What makes this technique so distinctive is the athlete's initial head-on run-up in the direction of the bar before turning into a gentle curve. As they take off, the athlete turns and lands on the other side of the crossbar back-first, bringing the legs in as they land. Following Fosbury's use of this technique in 1968 the style grew in popularity and is now considered a standard technique in this discipline.
- The Straddle Technique: this technique sees the athlete perform a sideways roll as the upper body sinks behind the crossbar. As the athlete dips backward, their legs form an almost frog-like squat, keeping their knees bent as they bring them over the bar. The stomach faces the bar when in this position. A roll over the shoulder completes this landing technique.
- The Western Roll Technique: the western roll is considered an earlier and simpler variation of the straddle technique. As with the straddle, the athlete jumps off with the take-off leg. Prior to this, he tilts his body backward. During the jump, the athlete brings the take-off leg parallel to the bar and lets the non-take-off leg swing under the take-off leg. This movement causes the body to rotate almost parallel with the ground and allows the body to "roll" over the bar: arm first, followed by the body, legs, head, and the other arm. As with the straddle jump, the stomach faces the mat.
- The Scissors Technique: this style of jump is considered the basic technique in the high jump. Nowadays, this jump style is more typically used as a preliminary or warm-up exercise. The athlete jumps over the bar with their upper body remaining upright and uses the non-jumping leg to propel the body into the jump. The take-off leg is stretched outwards and thrown upwards to clear the high jump crossbar. The second leg follows.
FAQ: Buying a High Jump Mat
Which components make up a high jump mat?
As a rule, high jump mats are made up of a foam core system and two protective covers made from a resilient and weather-resistant material.
How much care do high jump mats require?
The outermost layer of the mat should be wiped down regularly with a damp cloth to get rid of dust and dirt. To prevent damage to the material, protect the mat from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
How large are high jump mats?
This depends on how you intend to use the high jump mat. In our online store, you will find mats of differing sizes. In club sports, high jump mats should be at least 550 x 300 x 50 cm (18 x 9.8 x 1.64 feet).
