Stepping back with the "wrong" foot

[crazyasian31]

Alright so, I am a left-vaulter but for some reason I got into the habit of bringing my right foot back for the intial step(like a righty vaulter). So I go an extra steps(like 3 lefts, 4 rights). I was wondering if this habit would affect my vault.

Thanks

I was also trying to find the "Midmark chart" with the search tool, but all I found was a broken link to it. If anyone could link it to me that would be greatly appreciated.

[Barefoot]

Here's a link to the midmark chart: viewtopic.php?f=38&t=4643&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=252

Starting on the "wrong" foot is not going to "hurt" your vault as long as your start is consistent. A left is still a left, you will just start counting one step earlier than other vaulters.

[bel142]

You can think about it like using your first step as a "skip" or actual extra step, just to get your momentum going... So many vaulters skip into their run, walking into your run gets the same thing done and probably is more consistent that a skip... but overall, it just helps with getting some things moving...

[dj]

hello

Stepping with the wrong foot can (and probably will) create a “out of balance” position and you can’t have the pole/vaulter as one "system" the way Petrov explains it.

I would switch today… right foot forward for lefties and left foot forward for righties.. walking a couple of steps into the run with a check mark.. may be ok, skipping is not.. anything “added” to the start of “toe the mark” and go may lead to more inconsistencies than normal.


dj

[Barefoot]

DJ might be right about the balance of the start, though I have seen many good vaulters who don't use the standard "Petrov" start.

Having said that, I do insist on the Petrov continuous chain start for the kids that I coach... it makes it easier for me as a coach to diagnose what's going on with the run. Interestingly, being a lefty may cause more problems for your coach than you would think. I currently have two leftie vaulters and it took me months to be able switch brains comfortably and "see" their vaults. And I can't tell you how many times another coach has said something like... "did your vaulter just jump off the wrong foot." Just something for you to be aware of when you are getting advice in a right handed world.

[crazyasian31]

Okay, Thanks for all the tips. I will just switch my stance, It shouldnt be that difficult of an adjustment.