PoleVaultPower.com

meet 13':
http://home.comcast.net/~skyshark177/images/tes13a.wmv

practice 15':
http://home.comcast.net/~skyshark177/images/tes15a.wmv

Athlete info:
Junior
PR: 13'9"
hight: 5' 6"
135lbs
pole: 14'155 spirit
grip: 13'7"
take off step: 11'9"

I think the take off is a huge limiting factor on this jump. He could jump very high, but he needs to hit that take off and drive his chest forward hard before swinging. Right now his take off is a little passive considering the hieghts he is jumping at. He swings right off the ground. Work on jumping up and in harder, with hands pushing upward over your head.

When he does swing though, its really fast!! Its important to keep your hands in good position during the swing to allow for a complete swing, which will keep you inverted and moving up the pole longer. They should be right over your head, and swing your feet to the tip of the pole. From there, move your hips up the pole. I would grip 3" lower to keep from getting "stuck" on top like in the 15' practice. Notice the energy kind of stops at the top of the jump, as the hips stop moving. This is from a lack of energy, or from over gripping. I think if he gets rid of both, he can jump 14'6 right away.

I think vault3rb0y is onto something. The plant and takeoff are initiated well and the vaulter is coming in with a nice early high plant. The take off could be more agressive with a jumper's style pop off of the take off foot, but what is killing the vault and causing the flagging is that the vaulter is initiating the swing by pulling down the pole with the left hand. This sucks the hips through early and he can't move/load the pole. The pole then has to release early because all the pressure is taken off of it. The vaulter is then left with nothing to rock back on or push off of. Pushing out and up with the left hand will get him up and over 15-6 in no time.

Good Luck!

Neutron

Thanks
all of your comments are well appreciated

his trail leg could be longer or straiter

plants too late and not high enough at take off

keeep the left leg back and swing it hard try to kick the back of the pit.