Problem Extending Arms: Hugging the Pole

[PVit]

Hey, I'm a beginner vaulter and I have a problem with extending my arms. When I'm preparing to plant on my last couple lefts I feel that when I try to keep my arms extended when I plant, it feels as if I'm blocking out myself, or as if I'm running into the box, and therefore my arms collapse once I takeoff and I end up hugging the pole. Are there any tips that you would recommend to help keep my arms successfully extended while eliminating this blocking feeling?

[botakatobi]

If you are a beginning vaulter, your top arm should be extended at plant/swing and your body will swing alongside the pole with your bottom arm bending. Is this what you mean by hugging the pole?

[PVit]

I think so. By hugging the pole I mean that through my takeoff/swing the pole is not away from my body but kind of against my body.

[botakatobi]

While you are learning to swing, hugging the pole is natural.

Your maintaining distance from the pole during your takeoff and swing is a bit down the road for you.

Learn to swing first and add a nice pull, turn and push to your effort.

Get over a bar at your grip height or higher first.

Then, learn to bend the pole and you will already be a pro at swinging up and over your grip.

[PVit]

Alright, thanks! I will try to work on other aspects of my vault as well.

Another quick question: At what point down the road should I be concerned with my arms? Most of the people that watch me vault (fellow vaulters, coach, ect.) comment that my arms are somewhat lacking in my vaulting, and I feel that way too. I just can't help but feel that when if I extend my arms up before I plant I "block" myself out rather than push up to the pole, and I always hug the pole.