I just began Pole Vaulting...tips?

[Silvrrose08]

I just started pole vaulting this year. I am a senior... yeah i know kinda lame to start...but yeah. I was a gymnast for 10 years, so hopefully that can help me somehow. But for now...I have competed in probably 5 meets including The Summit in Reno. And I have PRed every meet. Now I am at 8'6" It is good for our school... but i know its not really that high...seeing what other people have done. So can anyone help give me some drills or helpful hints to make my vaulting better? I want to at least clear 10 this year. Is that an unreasonable goal? any help would be great!
Thanks
Sarah

[nolevault]

With your gymnastic ability, 10' would be a good starting height by the end of the season. You need to work on progression from a short approach, like 4 or 6 steps and move your way back on the runway. Keep track of your numbers, run and grip height. Everytime you move back 2 steps, one takeoff step, increase your grip 4 inches. You should be clearing 10' in no time at all.

[JMP8928]

your gymnastics background is very helpfull. if I had any advice, it would be to get down to Jonesboro Arkansas and go to a camp for a weekend. I've seen someone who has never pole vaulted before jump 9 feet after 3 days. (he was a gymnist)

good luck this season!

www.bellathletics.com. Check it out!

[VaultFreak]

Yeah, gymnasts are very successful vaulters. Since you'll probably have the speed and the rock-back ability down, working on pushing off the top of your pole might be something to work on... maybe after some time though.