What is the take-off point for high jump?

• A. On the near standard
• B. At the edge of pit
• C. Approximately arm's length from the near standard
• D. Several feet behind the standard

Answer: (C)

Take-off point is the position on the approach where you plant your take-off foot to convert horizontal speed into vertical lift. For high jump, a common guideline is about one arm’s length from the near standard. This distance gives just enough runway to use the last steps to set up the proper take-off angle, helping your body rotate and rise cleanly over the bar. If you take off too close to the bar, you can’t generate the optimal angle; if you take off too far behind the bar, you won’t have enough vertical lift to clear it. So approximately an arm’s length from the near standard is the best balance.