Kelsey Riggins, Asst Coach – Jumps, Murray State
Full video on Glazier Drive: High Jump: Training and Development
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CIRCLE RUNS — OVERVIEW
Circle runs are a divisive drill — athletes tend to either love them or hate them. The coach uses circles ranging from 11 to 16 feet depending on the training focus and time of season.
EARLY SEASON: SPEED REPEAT CIRCLES
Early in the season, the focus is on speed repeat circles to reinforce proper body positioning in the curve. Key coaching points include an ankle-in lean, high knee drive, and controlled rotation through the circle.
A sample rep scheme is 6 sets of 3 loops with rest between. These can be plugged into an acceleration day and done outside of a high jump facility. They are especially valuable for athletes who have developed new speed but lack the body control to manage it through a curve.
MID-TO-LATE SEASON: ADDING A TAKEOFF
As the season progresses, a takeoff is added at the end of the circle. The coach generally avoids repeat takeoffs within the circle, finding that the rhythm doesn’t translate well for their athletes. Instead, carrying full-approach speed into a single takeoff tends to produce better results. However, repeat takeoffs could be beneficial for athletes with specific postural issues at the board.
CIRCLE RUN WITH A FULL HIGH JUMP
One of the coach’s favorite progressions — developed in recent years — is a circle run that ends in an actual high jump. The athlete starts directly in front of a bar or bungee, completes a full circle, and then jumps. This drill effectively strips away momentum and approach speed, exposing raw jump mechanics. It is particularly useful for athletes who tend to cut their curve, since there simply isn’t enough time in the circle to cheat it. Athletes typically find these challenging and frustrating, especially when bars are set conservatively, but the coach views that struggle as an important part of development.
BUNGEES VS. BARS AND BAR HEIGHT
The coach uses both bungees and bars for these drills. Bars tend to be the more frustrating option. Athletes who normally clear 5’6″–5’7″ may struggle with a bar set at 5’0″ or even 4’6″ because their usual speed and strength advantages have been removed. The coach embraces this difficulty, emphasizing the importance of being comfortable being uncomfortable.
DEVELOPMENTAL AND YOUNG ATHLETES
For younger or developmental multi-event athletes, scissor kicks over the bungee or bar are encouraged as an introductory jumping skill, making circle runs a versatile tool across all experience levels.