Help with the top end

[altius]

Hard to split your focus - it is all about priorities. At 175 pounds on a 175 pole the straightening speed you get must be close to zero which is why you are having trouble at the top. Take another??? look at page 41 of BTB and you will see Tom Lovell at 140 jumping on a 15/185 . As it explains there he will get a much higher straightening speed than if he were on only a 140 or if he weighed 180 on a 185. His twin at the same weight was on a 15/180. You must be looking to get onto poles 30 - 40 pounds plus above your body weight if you want to vault high. That can only be done with an effective technique - in which you have a continuous chain of energy input. But dont let us go there again!!!! But how many plant drills do you execute every week - how many pre jumps into a sand pit -and on and on! The exercise is pole vaulting not weight training. But dont lets go there again either!!!!

[IAmTheWalrus]

I agree. I usually try to get on pole above my body weight. Usually in the 15-25lbs region, (where I was holding, I believe the 15'170 acts more like a 14' 190) but I obviously want to get on bigger poles with better technique. I agree with everything you said, I just didn't want you to think I was holding at the top of limp noodle.

[IAmTheWalrus]

Just started moving back to 6 lefts, so I thought I'd share a video. Still inside, but it got better over the course of the day which is good. Any feedback is appreciated, and have a great weekend. Good luck to everyone who has conference meets today. Go Big Red!

Bungee at 5.30
Pole: 16' 175
grip: 14'5"

I weigh about 172.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MI1W_sPmlwk

[Barto]

"focus on developing the muscles that make me jump higher" - An even better idea is to focus on the technique you need to jump higher.

Thank you for taking what I said completely out of context.

[altius]

I think you will find that I was quoting what the Walrus had written, not you Barto. I apologise if you feel otherwise.

[IAmTheWalrus]

For what its worth, I really appreciate and respect both of you guys, and your opinions. I have been, and will continue to try and incorporate your advice. I have really been trying to drill technique this season, I haven't been focusing on competition and have instead focused on training both technique and athletic ability. My overarching focus is to try and improve my speed and running vertical, which has helped me feel more comfortable moving my takeoff more outside (its still in, but it used to be waayyyyyy in) and to try and eliminate my tuck and shoot and learn how to finally drop the shoulders and punch my hips straight up after swinging with a long straight leg. Anyway, I really appreciate you guys taking the time to offer advice. I take it to heart and I really appreciate it. I'll keep training hard and hopefully have big jumps to show you soon.

[Barto]

Keep up the good work!