PoleVaultPower.com

alright guys, i know one of you has some good advice out there.. i have a horrible problem with my vault. I can't seem to get my hips above my head during the swing up.

take a look at my vid:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nROnH47VamE

any critisism is appreciated

it looked pretty good...

I would say it sounds like your feet are heavy... you might not be running on your toes...

your bottom arm is colapsing right at take off...

remember to be active during the entire vault...

you'll make that height soon!!!

anybody know a good drill to keep my bottom arm straight during my vault because i know that is crucial to a good jump...

would pop-ups practicing that solve the problem?

Keeping the bottom arm straight is NOT a good idea. If you try to do it at this stage in your development, it will ruin your vault. Every good vaulter's arm is bent a little, even the ones who seem to have straight arms. They are bent slightly to the side. What you are doing right now is just fine. The problem with the attempt you show in your video is that your pole is not quite big enough. That is about all I can tell you without a lot more information. A slow motion video would help a lot.

If you start jamming your bottom arm into the pole, you will NEVER get your hips above your head.

It looks like you're plant is late, and it also looks like your under.

Yeah, don't try blocking out, and jamming your hand in to the pole, but try getting your hands up at the plant

good luck with the rest of your season!

don't look at the bar. i've had the same problem.

thanks for the advice. we never had a coach so i have to come here for help....yesterday i finally cured it...after 3 years. i near crapped my pants. my problem was that i was looking at the bar on the way up as someone pointed out. i focused on not doing that and letting my head go back yesterday and instantly my jumps were around 14'.

thanks for all the help...

Make sure the next few practices you think about the same things. If you do something wrong for 3 years, chances are 1 practice isnt going to break your muscle habits. Keep short running your problems out of your system until you dont have to think about it.

Hang in there. It does look like your take off is under, whch makes it impossible to move the pole out in front of you, sothe pole never really loads and bends to allow you to rock back. Getting your step on is critical.

I agree that you do not want to block out the left arm. BUT, you do want to press/push out and up with the left arm. Think of it as "resisting" rather than blocking. Once you do this you will be getting on stiffer poles which will also help you getting back.

Good Luck

Neutron