PoleVaultPower.com

Here are a few recent videos of myself jumping at two separate meets. The info is on YouTube. I am really having trouble penetrating, though I know that the poles and grips I am using should not be difficult for me.
The problems that I think I am having (please feel free to correct me) include: poor turnover at the end of the run, running on my heels at the end of the run, not enough forward lean/ leaning too far back at the end of the run and particularly the takeoff, and then not having an aggressive enough jump/impulse on takeoff to get me into the pit.
My coach thinks that my run is basically fine as long as I am aggressive at the end, but I need to drive my knee harder at takeoff while jumping more horizontally and keeping my focus forward instead of up at the bar. Essentially the difference between my thinking and his is that I think my problems lie in the steps preceding the takeoff, and that if I fix my posture and turnover I will be able to fix my takeoff, whereas he thinks I can fix my takeoff itself without worrying too much about the run.

Age: 22
Grade: College senior
How long you have been jumping: going on 8 years
Height: 5’10”
Weight: ~145 lbs. lately

I very much appreciate your advice. Thanks!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fJ-CsDqZYg

I'm not great at diagnosing problems via youtube (no frame by frame), but I'll try my best.

It looks like on most of your jumps you were leaning back at takeoff and leading with your hips as opposed to you chest. You then appear to break at the hips a bit early, and although you get into a nice inversion, you haven't moved the pole well enough and get hung out over the bar. I would focus on a more aggressive takeoff with a forward lean and a better vertical jump, and then to swing long with the entire body instead of just swinging the trail leg. You are looking good though, and I think as you peak in the coming weeks things will come together for some big jumps. Good luck man!

Your hips start to move immediately off the ground. This is great.... if you have a perfect pre-jump and finish your take off with your hips well behind the pole before you swing. Your take off isn't terrible but you should focus on finishing your take off before you swing. If you really punch your take off not just with your feet but with the pressure of your hands as well off the ground, your trail leg will whip farther behind you with your hips staying behind the pole for that split second off the ground. This will keep the pole moving nicely off the ground. Then, as soon as you have finished your take off as much as possible, don't stay there long, and move your hips as quickly as possible. Your inversion is impressive, and a finished take off will easily make your jump look worlds better.

The positions are most important (ie. forward lean, finish take off, hips behind the pole, long swing, etc). Having said that, the positions will be easier to hit if you get your step out at least 6" farther than it is. Finishing your take off won't be a battle if you are a little more free. But being free is useless if you still let your hips suck under you right off the ground. You gotta stay behind the pole and finish the take off first.

You are correct in wanting to fix your last few steps, making them quicker, to get your step out a little farther. That will help, But i think that you have the capability of jumping high with your take off the way it is, and that finishing your take off should be your first priority. Like I said, a perfect free take off does nothing if you aren't finishing your take off and keeping your hips behind the pole with the pressure of your hands before you swing.

I think you should just put down your purse.

But really, I think by focusing on the chest over and knee drive at take off you will attack better and your run will be better. You might just be over thinking it. And don't worry, it's gonna come together.

surfr4evr14 wrote:I think you should just put down your purse.

Quite possibly the best advice anyone can receive.... well played, ma'am. LOL

Problem solved: wide feet and PV Lites don't mix.
Any further comments welcome!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kjO50d0gOk

Congratulations!