Stuck In a Rut

[DaMoonVaulter#1]

So indoor season is coming to an end soon and I still have yet to find my "groove" so to speak. It is my first season in college and first season after coming back from surgery and I'm just stuck in this rut. Its gotten to the point where I can't even plant from a full run, I just run through. I know its a mental thing, but I can't break out of it. Is there anyone else who has had similar problems and can to help me get over this?

[ashcraftpv]

short vault. smaller poles. lower grip.

usually does the trick. gradually work your step back and your grip up, but only when you are completely comfortable and confident.

[jomrus]

haha are you kidding. I've been in a rut for almost eight months! Just got out of it about two weeks ago. Just like the other guy said, you gotta start small. I just went from five in two weeks ago, and got 16'6''. It made me feel like I was a vaulter again. Then this last week I went from six, and went 17'. Progress makes vaulters confident. And that's all you need. Took me long enough to figure it out. Don't worry about big marks, just make sure thta when you are at the end of the runway, contemplating vaulting, just put yourself in a position where you know you want to plant that pole and be as good as you can be for that day.

[solovaulter]

you can even start from the beginning drill progression. like 2 step pop ups, and one handers (try and jump off the ground before the pole hits the back of the box). Work on all the little begginner stuff for a week and try and work your way back one left a day so you are at 5 lefts on friday. That always works at getting me out of a rut, and helps with some of the fundumentals you may be a bit rusty with too.

[vaulter870]

just a warning taking off outside for the first time is one heck of an experience and probubly will scare most under jumpers like me. it is deffinetly alot different but also alot easier to vault like this

[Jennapv]

I can SO relate...

I've been out for a while (ie 3.5 years) and am super frustrated with my inability to come from longer than 4 lefts right now. It's taking lots of patience and lots of reps to get more confident from anything longer. Like someone already said...small poles, low handgrip, short run, and just move it all up as you feel like you can. One thing though...I've been moving everything up very slowly, I've tried big leaps and have just been set back further because it didn't work and hurt me mentally/confidence-wise. Be patient! It'll start feeling like you're actually Pv-ing again soon.

[theflyingkorean]

So can I.

The first time I had no heighted ever -- about 8 months ago -- it has all been downhill. I can't get back to where I was and I'm getting very frustrated.

[Vault&Flip]

So can I.

The first time I had no heighted ever -- about 8 months ago -- it has all been downhill. I can't get back to where I was and I'm getting very frustrated.

I understand. I've had three meets as a collegiate athlete, and all three have been no heights on consecutive weekends. These things take time, but often longer than we think they should take.

[megustasaltar]

But it's so worth it in the end. I read this quote last night that really clicked with me and helped me get out of a semi-rut I've been in. It said something along the lines of Let your heart fly over the bar and your body will follow. Maybe it's corny, I dunno.

[mikepv1]

I can SO relate...

I've been out for a while (ie 3.5 years) and am super frustrated with my inability to come from longer than 4 lefts right now. It's taking lots of patience and lots of reps to get more confident from anything longer. Like someone already said...small poles, low handgrip, short run, and just move it all up as you feel like you can. One thing though...I've been moving everything up very slowly, I've tried big leaps and have just been set back further because it didn't work and hurt me mentally/confidence-wise. Be patient! It'll start feeling like you're actually Pv-ing again soon.

Good advice, Jenna. By the way, just so you know, you are getting better every time you jump.