Objective of the Game

The Two-Foot High Kick is similar to the One-Foot High Kick in all respects but one. The athlete takes a run-up, jumps off, and-while in the air-kicks or touches a target with both feet at the same time. The athlete must land on both feet and demonstrate good balance and control. While the landing movement is probably somewhat easier to execute than that in the One-Foot High Kick, it is in the Two-Foot High Kick even more difficult to keep proper balance while airborne.

Whereas the One-Foot High Kick can also be played as a stationary game, the Two-Foot High Kick is only played with a run-up or walk-up. Without a run-up, it would probably be too difficult for all but the best athletes to execute a good kick. Many athletes consider the Two-Foot High Kick to be the most demanding of the Inuit games played at the Arctic Winter Games.

It is said that this game originated among the people on the Alaskan side. From Alaska, it was introduced east into the Mackenzie Delta and beyond.

Equipment

1. A target in the shape of a seal. It is made of sealskin that is stuffed with a soft material. In the old days, moss was often used. The skin is cut and sewn to represent a seal. The seal should be about 10-12.5 cm (4-5 in) long, and about 5-7.5 cm (2-3 in) wide, so that it can be seen easily.
2. A high-kick stand, made from wood or metal. It should be adjustable to allow the target seal to be suspended at heights ranging from 1.2 m (4 ft.) to almost 3 m (l0 ft.). The high-kick stand is optional, but offers the greatest flexibility to organize the game conveniently in a variety of circumstances.
3. A piece of string, used to suspend the target seal from the high-kick stand.
4. A nylon rope to close off the playing area and keep it free of spectators.
5. A tape measure, used to measure and adjust the height of the target seal.

Playing Area

The Two-Foot High Kick has always been an indoor game. Its format is well adapted to the space requirements of indoor living in the traditional houses of Alaska and the western Arctic or the large igloos of the central Arctic. The playing area should be large enough to allow the athlete to take as long a run­ning approach towards the target as desired. An approach area of 3 m (10 ft) in length will usually be sufficient.

The playing area should be roped off to keep it free of spectators. Only com­petitors and judges should be inside the playing area.

Teams and Competitors

At the Arctic Winter Games, competitors are divided into junior/open, and male/female groups.

The Two-Foot High Kick was one of the most popular games at the annual winter celebrations. Young and adult men participated. It is not documented that women took part in the competitions.

Safety Considerations

The Two-Foot High Kick requires 'explosive strength' (power), coordination, and a good sense of timing. The training for this event has to provide the athlete with an opportunity to improve: hip and hamstring flexibility; strength of the hip flexors; strength of the quads for a quick kicking action and a forceful push-off. At the same time, the training has to emphasize the development of good body coordination and proper jumping and kicking technique.

The approach and the force-producing phases of the Two-Foot High Kick are identical to those of the One-Foot High Kick. The training for these phases is the same for both events.

Crash mats should be used for beginners as the Two-Foot High Kick requires a great deal of balance, and they are likely to fall at first.