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When using dj's step chart, do you guys use the takeoff distance, or the grip height to get the mid? The numbers are about a foot off and I am just wondering what you guys typically use.

The numbers work great for me and the kids I coach as is.

I've been using this chart for myself, and found a little bit of the same problem, until I realized a couple of things...

1. Lots of people overstride, especially in the last couple of steps. You may want to check the penultimate and last lefts. Also watchout for low knees. There are plenty of drills that can be done to improve frequency and running posture... you may want to implement some of these.

2. I was measuring from the bottom of the box. I've always done this, because that's where my first coach taught me to measure from, and as it turns out... everyone else measures from the top of the back of the box (including the mid chart measurements).

Hope that helps!

hey captain

you use the grip...

the takeoff distance on the chart is an average.. and should be based on the vaulters reach.. with takeoff toe directly below the top hand at the plant.. with the toe, top hand and butt plug in the box forming the triangle....... for example a 5-1 vaulter griping the same height as a 6-4 vaulter will takeoff further out

the "MID" is representative of the amount of force "horse power" (measured in stride length and stride frequency) you need to move the corresponding grip to vertical...

; )

dj

Thanks dj. The amount of horsepower is a good way of explaining it.

I find my athletes' mids to be a little out from DJ's chart mainly because they are undergripping. The chart is not wrong, we just lack ....

DJ's chart is derived from a the data associated with a 6' tall person. The shorter the person the farther out the take off and mid will be. I've discovered that a 5'0" athlete will actually be almost a foot further out than the 6'0" athlete.