). So, it IS getting better, its just hard to retrain the body. Last year I placed a towel on the runway at my intended takeoff point, and was very successful at taking off behind it, even taking off several inches behind it (I swear I took off at 13' once, scouts honor ) however, I found that when I removed the towel, I was far less confident, and would often run through. With the adrenaline of a meet I would get about a 50/50 result, running through many warmups, but taking off between 11'6 and 12 (aiming for 12'6").That being said, I don't know what else to do for my takeoff other than just "Try" harder in practice from short runs on poles I feel comfortable with, and trying to move my takeoff further and further out. Also, I have been doing more straight pole drills (as previously discussed in another thread) and that will hopefully help me as well. (FYI pp, I'm currently holding around 11'3 from a 5 step 3 left approach, that's about 4'3 above my standing grip).
Any am very receptive to additional takeoff drills, particularly with getting my step further out and with developing a better penultimate and jump step (I tend to run off the ground or jump flat from my long run). I am aware of the drill from BTB regarding hitting the bungee during pole runs.
Also, as far as the late plant. I don't necessarily disagree, but I'm not sure specifically what it is that is late. I know I tend to lower the pole way too early (which is a problem coolio touched upon) which makes me stride and lean, and I feel like my arms are up prior to the pole striking the back of the box, so its a little unclear to me what I am doing late. I would greatly appreciate more elaboration (is it that I'm initiating the plant motion late?).
Joe and sooch, I appreciate that you guys stuck up for me, and I'm sorry that my thread brought about a bit of banter. I have learned the hard way how difficult it can be to express one's self effectively without the voice inflection and body language. I am confident that there is no one on this forum that wishes me or anyone else harm, and feel that it is safe to assume that everyone wants to help AND everyone wants to LEARN!! We're all students of the vault!
Thanks for all of your help, I would appreciate any additional advice on improving my takeoff,pole drop, and plant.
-Nick