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When I finish my jump, it seems like im left hanging onto the pole, even though i jump over my handgrip. How do I push off the pole enough so that the pole doesn't come close to the crossbar, and so that I get some extra height?

Here's my latest videos to help...

http://media.putfile.com/13-at-counties

http://media.putfile.com/13-at-counties

i dunno.... i have the same problem too...

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid ... 1213690693

Hi Cooleo111
Nice jump. you are doing a lot of things really well. Looks like the bar is about 14', so that jump is probably about 15'5"+. Your apex is almost over the top of the bar. If you go frame by frame, you will notice that you are weightless for a split second, thus, you have no leverage. You appear to be trying to get some added height (leverage) by staying on the pole too long and are flattening out. You are still on it after you have lost about 6-8" in height.

Push down and away from the pole as you approach your apex (zero gravity) and bring your thumbs inward and down. This will allow you to hollow out in the chest and get your elbows away from the crossbar. Doing so will give you maximum height with your current pushoff. Since you are jumping so well, when you raise the bar, you won't have to worry about the pole hitting the crossbar. It won't be long enough.

For reference, look at the classic Tarassov 5.80 jump frame by frame. It is filmed from the same angle as your jump. When he releases his grip from the pole and begins to hollow out, you will see his thumbs go inward and down which gets his elbows out of the way of the crossbar.

Hope this helps. I'm interested in what other coaches see and recommend also.
LPVG

Hi Czar:
You never get behind the pole on the top, so you are flagging out. In doing so, you lose a lot of height. Use a stiff pole from about three strides out and practice crossing your right leg over your left leg and get behind the pole before you get to vertical. You have to be lined up with the pole (hips have to be next to the pole) to do this. As you come down, continue to extend up the pole and land on your stomach. You should be landing fairly deep in the pit. If you can do this consistently, put up a bungee and practice getting behind the pole before you get to the bungee. You should be able to jump 1-1.5' over your hands from three strides out. Maybe 10-11'.
LPVG

Oops! I posted the same video twice...that one was at 13' and this was my best attempt at 14'...

http://media.putfile.com/My-best-attempt-at-14-at-counties

Thanks for the advice though, I'll try to work on it if I ever get some decent practice weather...Also, you wouldn't happen to have a link to that Tarasov jump would you? I don't think I've ever seen it.

Cooleo...I'll give you a link next week where you can contact me and I'll send you the Tarassov video.
LPVG