Too small? weak?

[crayford]

Here's my video form the meet at the University of Michigan on 1/8.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTBQGoD0npc

I figure it's my pole, mostly because I hadn't vaulted since Ypsillanti in the summer, but I'd like some help on my swing/rock-back.

I feel like I'm losing a lot of energy in my vault; I should have way more rotation back, but I don't.




All constructive criticism appreciated :]

[KirkB]

... I figure it's my pole, mostly because I hadn't vaulted since Ypsillanti in the summer, but I'd like some help on my swing/rock-back.

I feel like I'm losing a lot of energy in my vault; I should have way more rotation back, but I don't.

I don't think you're too small or too weak, and I don't think it's your pole.

For a 12-6 vaulter, you're doing alright ... altho there's many, many things you need to work on ... run ... plant ... takeoff ... downswing ... whip ... upswing ... extension ... in that order.

You should first take the approach that it's your TECHNIQUE ... and try to improve that FIRST ... with the same pole and grip that you have. If you haven't vaulted competitively since last summer, then this was a good first meet for you ... you just need more practice ... always focussing on TECHNIQUE improvement in your practices ... and not so much how high you can jump or how heavy of a pole you can get on.

Your second step should be to adjust your grip ... and/or your run length ... so that you get just the right bend ... with your current technique ... to land in the middle of the PLZ.

After those 3 things are refined, then start thinking about the other things you mentioned ... adjusting your pole flex ... improving your strength ... or growing taller.

That last one is tough to do on short notice ... and you know that there's a lot of vaulters your height clearing higher bars ... so you might as well eliminate that one as being the problem. Even if you perceive it to be a problem, you can't do anything about it ... growth hormones are illegal.

Kirk

[crayford]

I meant was the pole too small or weak

It felt way too soft when it hit the box and when I got half way through my swing I stopped accelerating so I could turn/get off quicker. I remember last year I had a very high-impact plant/takeoff, this pole was pillow-like in comparison. I am just asking if I should go for longer or heavier pole first? As you can see in the video's comments, I've started to practice on a 13' 180, but it's very old and I'm pretty sure the pole bends in different directions separated by the sail piece.

Sorry for the mix up

[KirkB]

I meant was the pole too small or weak

Yikes ... my bad.

My advice still stands tho ... you need to focus on what YOU ... the VAULTER can do to improve his TECHNIQUE ... it's usually not the fault of the pole!

If your mindset ... your focus ... was on your technique (like mine always is), then you would have asked the question differently. You'll go higher once you realize that the best thing to change is your technique ... not your pole.

I think the quality of the vids wasn't good enough for a detailed analysis of your technique ... and what specifically to improve on. With some better vids in the future, maybe I can give you some technical advice. Right now, I'm just stressing the mindset you need to be a successful vaulter. Someone else can answer your specific questions about the pole ... those issues aren't nearly as important as your TECHNIQUE.

Kirk