Launch himself into the sky

[Kontol]

I don't understand the phrase "launch into the sky" in this sentence. To "launch" means to jump hard. So what does the phrase actually mean?

84 mins: Leicester 0-1 Man Utd
Almost something special!
Diogo Dalot floats a cross to the back post and Cristiano Ronaldo launches himself into the sky for an acrobatic volley that bounces past the far post.

 

[emsr2d2]

He jumps up very high.

 

[jutfrank]

Ronaldo went for a bicycle kick in this case. He threw his legs up in the air to do so.

 

[Kontol]

Thanks a lot for the explanation. Does "into the sky" mean very high in this context?

 

[teechar]

Yes, it does. Have you read emsr2d2's answer above?

 

[Kontol]

Yes. Can I also say "He fires a shot into the sky?"

 

[teechar]

Probably, but I don't think Ronaldo would do that. His usual target is between the goalposts and under the crossbar.