PoleVaultPower.com

check out the efficiency chart ( http://www.bubbapv.com/Pages/dj.htm ) you don't need a 15 footer for 13'6 vaults...since you're getting way in i'd suggest hitting up the shorter "stiffer" (but not really since it's shorter it's actually easier than the 15') pole and getting the extra lift...

i think it is important to note that although you don't want to block out with your left arm by locking the elbow, your arm should be at least close to straight at the beginning of your vault as part of a high, fully extended takeoff position...the key is that it doesn't stay in that position!

PV 11'
LJ 16'10
time vaulting 3 years hs

interesting stuff. how about this pole break (mine in may) 12'4 140 Altius, fairly old. fast run, maybe sat back too much? pole broke in swing upward and snapped violently, came completely apart and the two pieces flew in opposite directions. snapped clean off right in the middle, to within an inch ...

yeah, size doesn't really matter until you're at a pretty high level--if you are the best you can be with your body, you can still beat a lot of other people with a body size advantage who aren't as technically proficient. getting ripped helps though :yes: our best female vaulter at our school is 5'...

"arm break in" is your left elbow locked?

holy crap!!! how did the pole not rip out of his hands or snap in half??? I've seen pole bends 2/3 that much snap or throw a guy. He did a great job holding on and not getting smashed by the pole. But I'm wondering how he tripped on a takeoff- it doesn't seen possible.

Don't block out your left arm!!! This will only block you from inverting. You'll get a big pole bend but get nowhere. your left arm should be in whatever position it takes when you place the pole in the box and hold w/ your right at normal height, standing on the runway with your right arm straight ...

I agree that all pole runs ought to maximize training productiveness b/c of said SAID :P But my question is would that work well for an imperfect runner? In my case as a decent sprinter but not in any way blazingly fast yet, do you think it would be better to do pole runs or just trin for speed firs...

long but good!

Look at this and think carefully... I apologize in advance for the legnth of this but I think it needs to be said. You seem to be a big, strong guy and in all probability could grit your teeth and pound your way through that pole. But the fact is, none of us knows you. We try to help however we can ...

that's too bad, but you're probably right- i used a really old pole one time this year and it snapped on me. i'm pretty sure it was the pole and not my jump, b/c i've used lighter poles the same day w/ the same kind of jump and they were fine. stay safe!