flyinazn wrote:When i recently moved up on a newer and a foot longer pole, my take off mark has been the same.... during video analysis, i could tell that i was taking off way inside. Ive tried moving backwards about 2 - 2.5 feet, But I still keep on doing it. When i practice runs with the pole but without going up, i do fine..... neone got ne ideas?
Did you move your handgrip up when you went to the new pole? If so, did you compensate by moving your steps back the same amount as you raised your grip? When you say your take off mark has been the same, are you talking about where you jump off the ground or where you start the first step of your run from?
First analyze how you are running differently - are you pushing harder down the runway because you think you have to hit the new pole harder? This is a common problem known as "overrunning." Or are you running slower and more cautiously, causing you to take longer, slower steps and putting you under? Are you leaning back? Are you on your heels or the balls of your feet? Are your hands really low by your hips as you begin your plant? All these problems cause under takeoffs.
For a quick, gimmicky fix, try laying a towel across the runway just inside of where your takeoff step would ideally be (if you're supposed to take off at 11', lay the edge of the towel at about 10'9). If you step on it, you won't know it and it won't hurt anything. Your mind will subconsciously avoid stepping on it though and it should help you avoid overstriding into the takeoff.
Also, do you use a mid-mark? Have someone catch your 4th or 6th step away from your takeoff when you do your pole runs on the track, and measure how far that is from where your pole tip hits the ground. Then, when you're vaulting, see if you're hitting that same mark every time. If you're under it, then yes, you're overstriding the whole run. If you're on that mid but under at takeoff, then you're stretching your last few steps and need to quicken. You could also have someone time your last 6 steps on your pole runs, and see if you're hitting close to those times on your real jumps. If your times are close, you should be on. If they're slower, you'll be under. If they're faster, you'll be out.
Good luck!