PoleVaultPower.com

Hey, I'm a pole vaulter from Nebraska. I just PR'ed at 14'5" to qualify for the State meet in a week. If you guys could please give me some pointers on what I need to work on most to jump better and higher before state meet. It would be very much appreciated.

The pole used in the video:
Brand:UCS
Length:15' holding at about 14'3
Weight: 175
Flex: Around 17

Link to video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/531166/highlights/146854378
Better view of top half of 14'5" vault:
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pOsHK9l_P8

First of all, now is not the time to change much. So I'm only going to offer you one suggestion. The timing of your plant is very good. However, in all of your vaults, you are 6-12 inches under. Your pole is bending before you takeoff foot has left the ground. Ideally, we shouldn't see it bend until you are on your takeoff toe, or even better still, your toe has just left the ground.

There is a chance that even if you move your starting point back 6-12 inches, you'll stride out to still take off where you are in these videos because that's where you are most comfortable. Your brain will adjust without you even knowing it.

Check your take-off point with your pole in the box, as well as on this chart:
http://www.nacactfca.org/Johnston6stride.pdf

Have someone catch your takeoff point on every vault. Try moving your step back 6" initially. If your take off doesn't consistently stay 6" back from where it is in these videos, it's not worthwhile moving it back further. That's a battle best waged after States.