Better technique...smaller bend

This is a forum to discuss pole vault technique as it relates to intermediate level pole vaulting.
jam354
PV Fan
Posts: 68
Joined: Tue Feb 17, 2009 7:19 pm
Expertise: High School Coach, Former College Vaulter

Better technique...smaller bend

Unread postby jam354 » Wed Mar 18, 2009 8:07 am

I have been working with my vaulters on the drills outlined in this forum and B2B and it seems to be paying off. After only a week of work, one of my jumpers(pr 9'0" holding 11'6"ish from 8 lefts) jumped 9'6" holding at 10'6" from 5 lefts. Her takeoff is free, she is really jumping at takeoff, and her swing is taking her up over the bar. My only concern is that she was barely bending the pole. Obviously, I'm not that concerned because the technique changes are working, however when she tried to move her grip up, she wasn't getting in. This same girl held at 12'3' and made a bar with her standards all the way back. I realize that I shouldn't be concerned with holding higher since she is now jumping higher, but should I expect her not to be able to hold as high in the future, or will the adjustment period eventually lead her to even higher grips. Again, I'm in no rush to move her up, I just wanted to know because I suspect she will get concerned.

User avatar
rainbowgirl28
I'm in Charge
Posts: 30435
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2002 1:59 pm
Expertise: Former College Vaulter, I coach and officiate as life allows
Lifetime Best: 11'6"
Gender: Female
World Record Holder?: Renaud Lavillenie
Favorite Vaulter: Casey Carrigan
Location: A Temperate Island
Contact:

Re: Better technique...smaller bend

Unread postby rainbowgirl28 » Wed Mar 18, 2009 11:36 am

jam354 wrote:I have been working with my vaulters on the drills outlined in this forum and B2B and it seems to be paying off. After only a week of work, one of my jumpers(pr 9'0" holding 11'6"ish from 8 lefts) jumped 9'6" holding at 10'6" from 5 lefts. Her takeoff is free, she is really jumping at takeoff, and her swing is taking her up over the bar. My only concern is that she was barely bending the pole. Obviously, I'm not that concerned because the technique changes are working, however when she tried to move her grip up, she wasn't getting in. This same girl held at 12'3' and made a bar with her standards all the way back. I realize that I shouldn't be concerned with holding higher since she is now jumping higher, but should I expect her not to be able to hold as high in the future, or will the adjustment period eventually lead her to even higher grips. Again, I'm in no rush to move her up, I just wanted to know because I suspect she will get concerned.


When the pole bends more, you can hold higher (but obviously it wasn't doing her much good). She's on a shorter run and bending the pole less, it makes sense that she would be holding lower. Just slowly back the run up a step at a time and slowly work the grip up so that she is still timing up with it. It sounds like she is on the right track, 9'6 with a 10'6 grip is very good grip efficiency for that low of a grip.

jam354
PV Fan
Posts: 68
Joined: Tue Feb 17, 2009 7:19 pm
Expertise: High School Coach, Former College Vaulter

Re: Better technique...smaller bend

Unread postby jam354 » Wed Mar 18, 2009 1:02 pm

It's interesting that a month ago from the same run and same grip she was getting a significant bend which is why I had her continue to move up in grip. Now, with little bend, she jumps 6" higher with a foot lower handhold. This event never ceases to surprise me.

User avatar
LHSVaulterJJR
PV Whiz
Posts: 216
Joined: Thu Mar 06, 2008 9:05 pm
Expertise: current college vaulter, former USATF and high school coach
Favorite Vaulter: David spivey, scott roth
Location: homosassa florida
Contact:

Re: Better technique...smaller bend

Unread postby LHSVaulterJJR » Wed Mar 18, 2009 1:42 pm

the hand grip doesnt make the hieght ;)

dj's mod mark chart could effectively show hang grip hieghts and what your athlete should be ablt to jump from them ..... 9'6 from that grip very efficient. maybe you might wants to adjust her as she progresses according to his chart, in order to maintian the current progress. or like previously stated just slowly move her step back and slowly move her grip back when shes ready for it.
loving life, making progress, exceeding expectations


Return to “Pole Vault - Intermediate Technique”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 34 guests