keeping the arm straight and loading up

[byucougars05]

hey so i heard that if you are on a short pole that you should not worry about keeping your bottom arm straight because then you will block out and not be able to swing and stuff...so how long does your pole need to be before you do need to keep it stratight and if you aren't keeping it straight...how do you load up the pole? i have the problem of running all fast and then when i go to vault i just eat it cause everything just gets sucked up...tall...but sucked up so i get no where.

[mcminkz05]

i dunno about that.. i think you can keep your arm extended on even a short pole, as long as you break it in when you swing, and dont keep it locked out.. i do vaults from 3 lefts with a 12' pole, and i plant wiht my bottom arm out just like i do wiht a big pole, and i can still swing and rockback fine, and jump over my grip. i think its ok to keep both arms pushing UP at the plant to load the pole, as logn as the bottom arm breaks when it needs too, and isnt locked out.

[belmore]

You guys hit on a good question, yeah stiff bottom arm on a short pole can be problematic for young vaulters, but I have seen some blast it and be able to break in and close off, that's a guessing game for the athlete and the coach. Pole selection and attitude of the athlete. If you can punch it up and move through the plant with out blocking, do it. Shorter in height vaulters I have seen have better luck with this on shorter poles. Do what fits you, as long as it keeps you in the pit.