The main thing that will make you jump higher is your speed, strength and explosive power that will give you a mighty vertical leap. Investing in items such as orthotics will help you improve the 20% of your high jumping performance, which is what you need to start considering seriously once you have started to clear 2m in high jump.
Orthotics will help you improve your body’s mechanics. But you shouldn’t invest in any that claim that you will increase your vertical performance simply by placing them in your shoe, allowing you to get more “spring”.
I made that grave mistake as a teenager and I saw my high jump performance decline. Instead, you want to invest in orthotics that will help improve your body’s mechanics so you can execute your strength, speed and power in a way that will propel you forwards and upwards.
There are several orthotics on the market. A podiatrist will advise you on the ideal orthotic inserts for your shoes. However, there are also orthotics available on Amazon.
The orthotics will need to be placed in your shoes at all time so your body’s balance, posture and movement will be correct. As you continue to use these in everyday life, it will also translate into your athletic performance.
Ensure that you train with them in your high jump shoes, as well as your regular running shoes and spikes.
Browse the orthotics available on Amazon to begin with. There are some for as little as $30 USD and range up to $200. I do recall that the orthotics that I used cost me $100. I wore them for 3 years straight and won the Australian Junior championship wearing them and also consistently cleared 2m. At the time, it was a worthwhile investment.
*Note – Please pay attention to the arch in your feet and only purchase those orthotics that mold well with your foot type.
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