PoleVaultPower.com

Alright, here is my first series of videos to start off the season.
I have been vaulting for about 20 months now. My PR in a meet is 13'6, with a 14' 155 holding 12'6, and i was coming from 99' for a 8stride.
Im 19', Freshman in college, 5'5 140ish.


I have almost been training for two months so far this year, and vaulting (going up one stride a week) for 6 weeks.

In all of the videos the bungey is at 14'

My first video I am coming from a 6 at 72' with a 13'1 155lb Spirit, holding at the max (so 12'7?). (cant really see top part of vault due to coaches camera skills)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJfz6SEL5_8

The second video I am coming from 72' but with a 13'7 150 holding about 12'10. I feel like i get my feet down good but slow down alot at the top.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTJToALJMkc

And the third video is from about 72'2 and i am holding at the max hand hold of the 13'7 150. This one I think i might just need to go stiffer to hold that high?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xq5YVSXpS8

You need to carry the pole at a higher angle as you run, and retrain your take-off to be free with a pre-jump.

You need to carry the pole at a higher angle as you run, and retrain your take-off to be free with a pre-jump.

im in the process of working on the free take off... but i think im gonna have to let a few more people test out the pre-jump before I have a crack at it.
Even Bubka said he may have only accieved a pre-jump once or twice.

On the pole cary... would it be easier to just use my top hand as like a support instead of gripping the pole? the only problme i get with this is when i plant the pole spins and is not always UCS down when i take off.

There are relatively few instances of good pre-jumps in major elite competitions, yes. Bubka hit one in his 6.01 (6.40) jump. Do you want to jump 6.40?

As for the pole carry, you just need to figure out how that works for you. Try some pole drops. Just standing there, let the pole free fall to about head height, then do your planting motion. Play around with it. But carrying the pole almost horizontal for more than a stride or so is a big no-no.

About the pole carry, try looking at how Tim Mack holds the pole. He runs by keeping his top hand infront of his right hip with the pole resting in crotch of the palm, while holding the pole with an open bottom hand. To plant the pole, his pushes his bottom hand out infront and slides his top hand until it's over his head. It's a little difficult to explain but it makes running and planting with the pole a lot smoother if done correctly. Ladysvolpvcoach might have a better explanation, but if you have questions I can try explaining it.

good luck!